phenobarbital

noun

: a crystalline barbiturate C12H12N2O3 used as a hypnotic, sedative, and anticonvulsant

Examples of phenobarbital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pregnant or nursing people, children under three years old, and those taking sedative medications like Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) or depressants such as Nembutal (phenobarbital) should avoid Valerian. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 23 July 2024 As an infant, he was given phenobarbital, a highly addictive barbiturate. Sarah Hepola, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2023 Kindergarten teachers in Taiwan have been accused of drugging their students after blood tests found traces of sedatives, including phenobarbital and benzodiazepines, in at least eight children. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 21 June 2023 Additionally, medications like phenobarbital, for example, have also been shown in some people to cause depression. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for phenobarbital

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenobarbital was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Phenobarbital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenobarbital. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

phenobarbital

noun
: a drug that is a barbiturate used to calm one down and cause sleep

Medical Definition

phenobarbital

noun
: a crystalline barbiturate C12H12N2O3 that is used orally or is administered by injection in the form of its sodium salt C12H11N2NaO3 as a hypnotic and sedative see luminal
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