barbital

noun

Meaning

A sedative and hypnotic drug belonging to the barbiturate class, historically used to treat sleep disorders.

Examples

  • The development of barbital marked a significant advancement in medical sedation during the early 1900s.
  • Due to its narrow therapeutic index, the use of barbital was eventually superseded by safer alternatives.

Synonyms: sedative, hypnotic, barbiturate, tranquilizer