benzodiazepine

[ ben-zoh-dahy-az-uh-peen, -ey-zuh- ]
/ ˌbɛn zoʊ daɪˈæz əˌpin, -ˈeɪ zə- /

noun Pharmacology.

any of a family of minor tranquilizers that act against anxiety and convulsions and produce sedation and muscle relaxation.

Origin of benzodiazepine

First recorded in 1965–70; benz- + diazep(am) + -ine2

Words nearby benzodiazepine

British Dictionary definitions for benzodiazepine

benzodiazepine
/ (ˌbɛnzəʊdaɪˈeɪzəˌpiːn) /

noun

any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Word Origin for benzodiazepine

C20: from benzo- + di- 1 + aza- + ep- + -ine ²

Medical definitions for benzodiazepine

benzodiazepine
[ bĕn′zō-dī-ăzə-pēn′, -pĭn ]

n.

Any of a group of psychotropic agents used as antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and hypnotics.