Word
methamphetamine
Phoneticsmetham·phetamine
US/ˌmɛθæmˈfɛtəmaɪn/
UK/mˌɛθɐmfˈɛtɐmˌiːn/
Definition
n. a powerful and illegal drug that makes people feel very energetic and happy for a short time. It is very dangerous for your body and mind.
n. a potent central nervous system stimulant that is chemically similar to amphetamine. It is highly addictive and classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many jurisdictions.
Examples
“The police found a large amount of methamphetamine in the house.”
“Health officials are concerned about the rise in methamphetamine use among young adults in the region.”
“The synthetic production of methamphetamine often occurs in unregulated environments, leading to severe environmental contamination and significant public health risks for nearby communities.”
Examples
simple
“The police found a large amount of methamphetamine in the house.”
contextual
“Health officials are concerned about the rise in methamphetamine use among young adults in the region.”
complex
“The synthetic production of methamphetamine often occurs in unregulated environments, leading to severe environmental contamination and significant public health risks for nearby communities.”
Real-World Examples
“Mexican authorities seized nearly 17 tonnes of methamphetamine from three clandestine laboratories in Sinaloa and dismantled the 5,700-square-metre facility where the drugs were produced.” “Authorities in Iran intercepted 3,663 kilogrammes of methamphetamines headed for Europe and the Persian Gulf in the first quarter of 2026, according to the UN’s drugs and crime fighting agency (UNODC).” Etymology
From meth- + amphetamine; 1945–1950.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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