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methadone
noun
meth·a·done
ˈme-thə-ˌdōn
variants
or less commonly methadon
: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C21H27NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction
Examples of methadone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Agonist therapies are treatments like those mentioned above – methadone and buprenorphine for opioid dependence – that help prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
There's still disagreement over whether to attach separate legislation expanding the availability of methadone as an opioid addiction treatment.
—Peter Sullivan, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024
Research shows that opioid addiction medication — including drugs like methadone — can greatly reduce the risk of overdose deaths, and increase a person’s retention in treatment.
—Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch.
—Aneri Pattani, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near methadone
Cite this Entry
“Methadone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methadone. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
methadone
noun
meth·a·done
ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn
variants
also methadon
: a narcotic drug C21H27NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction
Medical Definition
methadone
noun
meth·a·done
ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn
variants
also methadon
: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C21H27NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction
called also amidone
More from Merriam-Webster on methadone
Nglish: Translation of methadone for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about methadone
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