thalidomide

[ thuh-lid-uh-mahyd ]
/ θəˈlɪd əˌmaɪd /

noun

a crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C13H10N2O4, formerly used as a sedative: if taken during pregnancy, it may cause severe abnormalities in the limbs of the fetus.

Origin of thalidomide

1955–60; (ph)thal(im)ido(glutari)mide, equivalent to phthalimide ( phthal(ic) + imide) + -o- + glutarimide ( glut(en) + (tart)ar(ic) + imide)

Words nearby thalidomide

British Dictionary definitions for thalidomide

thalidomide
/ (θəˈlɪdəˌmaɪd) /

noun

  1. a synthetic drug formerly used as a sedative and hypnotic but withdrawn from the market when found to cause abnormalities in developing fetuses. Formula: C 13 H 10 N 2 O 4
  2. (as modifier)a thalidomide baby

Word Origin for thalidomide

C20: from thallic + -id- (from imide) + imide

Medical definitions for thalidomide

thalidomide
[ thə-lĭdə-mīd′ ]

n.

A sedative and hypnotic drug that was withdrawn from sale after it was found to cause severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Scientific definitions for thalidomide

thalidomide
[ thə-lĭdə-mīd′ ]

A drug used to treat leprosy. It was previously prescribed to treat nausea during early pregnancy, but was found to cause severe birth defects, including stunting or absence of the limbs. Chemical formula: C13H10N2O4.

Cultural definitions for thalidomide

thalidomide
[ (thuh-lid-uh-meyed) ]

A sedative drug that was developed and used in Europe in the 1960s. Thalidomide was taken off the market when it became evident that it caused severe birth defects in babies born to women who had used the drug during pregnancy.

notes for thalidomide

References to thalidomide are often made when illustrating the dangers of using drugs whose side effects are not well known.