How Do You Spell BARBITURATE?

Pronunciation: [bɑːbˈɪt͡ʃʊ͡əɹət] (IPA)

Barbiturate is a commonly used drug for treating anxiety and insomnia. The word is spelled as /bɑːrˈbɪtjʊərət/, with stress on the second syllable. The first part of the word 'barb' is linked to barbituric acid, which is its parent molecule. The suffix -urate refers to compounds made up of particular components. The challenging pronunciation of this word is due to the combination of ‘barb’ and ‘urate’ sounds, the difference in the vowel sounds, and the non-intuitive and non-phonetic spelling.

BARBITURATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They are commonly used as sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates work by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down the brain and nervous system activity.

    These drugs have a long history of medical use, but they are now more rarely prescribed due to their high potential for abuse and addiction. Barbiturates can induce a state of relaxation, sedation, and sleepiness, making them useful in managing anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They may also be utilized in some surgical procedures and to control symptoms during alcohol withdrawal.

    Barbiturates come in various forms such as pills, capsules, and liquids. Their effects can be short or long-lasting, depending on the specific drug and dosage. Some common barbiturates include phenobarbital, secobarbital, and pentobarbital.

    However, the use of barbiturates also carries significant risks. These drugs can be highly addictive and can lead to dependence with long-term use. Overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, leading to coma or even death. Due to these risks and the availability of safer alternatives, their use has declined in recent years.

    In conclusion, barbiturates are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system, commonly used as sedatives and anticonvulsants. While they have medical applications, their potential for addiction and overdose makes them less-favored options in modern medicine.

Common Misspellings for BARBITURATE

Etymology of BARBITURATE

The word "barbiturate" derives from the chemical compound called "barbituric acid", which was first synthesized in 1864 by the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer. Baeyer named the compound after the uric acid, a natural component of urine, because he derived barbituric acid from urea, a substance found in urine. The term "barbiturate" was later used to designate a class of drugs that were synthesized from barbituric acid and exhibited hypnotic and sedative properties.

Similar spelling words for BARBITURATE

Plural form of BARBITURATE is BARBITURATES

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