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Definition of barbiturate

barbiturate

/bɑːrˈbɪtʃərət/
bar · bit · u · rate
Plural:barbiturates
•
Adjective:barbituric
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barbiturate Lexical Profile

barbiturate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of a class of organic chemical compounds derived from barbituric acid that act as central nervous system depressants and are used medically as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, or anticonvulsants.

Example

"Medical professionals largely replaced the older barbiturate with safer benzodiazepines due to the high risk of dependency."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for barbiturate

• Nearby Words

barbershop
barbet
barbie
barbiturate
barbless
barcelona
barcelonian

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from 'barbituric acid' plus the chemical suffix '-ate'. German chemist Adolf von Baeyer synthesized barbituric acid in 1864, reportedly naming it after Saint Barbara (as it was discovered around her feast day on December 4) combined with 'uric' (referencing urea).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barbiturate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barbiturate
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