Barbituric

/ˌbɑrbɪˈtjʊrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing barbiturates, a class of chemical compounds used as sedatives and anesthetics.

Etymology

From 'barbituric acid,' the parent compound of barbiturate drugs, named through a combination of 'barbiton' (possibly) and chemical naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Barbituric acid is the chemical backbone of all barbiturate drugs—once chemists synthesized it, they could modify it slightly to create hundreds of different sedatives with different strengths and durations.

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