crystal meth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, journalistic, medical/legal technical.
Quick answer
What does “crystal meth” mean?
A highly addictive, crystalline form of the stimulant drug methamphetamine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly addictive, crystalline form of the stimulant drug methamphetamine.
A powerful illegal drug that is smoked or injected, notorious for its destructive health, social, and psychological effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Universally negative, associated with severe addiction and societal harm.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media and public discourse due to historical prevalence of the drug in certain US regions, but commonly understood and used in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “crystal meth” in a Sentence
[Subject] smokes/injects/sells crystal meth.Crystal meth is [adjective: e.g., destructive, prevalent] in [place].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crystal meth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The documentary detailed how individuals become tragically ensnared by crystalling.
American English
- The town was plagued by meth labs where they crystalled the drug.
adjective
British English
- The police uncovered a crystal meth operation in the disused factory.
- He was in a crystal meth-induced psychosis.
American English
- She faced charges for running a crystal meth lab.
- The region has a serious crystal meth problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable in standard business contexts, except in pharmaceutical or law enforcement industries discussing illicit trade.
Academic
Used in sociology, criminology, public health, and medical research papers discussing drug abuse.
Everyday
Used in news reports, documentaries, and conversations about drug problems, but not in polite casual chat.
Technical
Used in medical, toxicology, and forensic contexts to specify the crystalline form of methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crystal meth”
- Misspelling as 'crystal met' or 'cristal meth'.
- Using inappropriately in formal or lighthearted contexts.
- Confusing it with 'crack cocaine' (a different drug).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'crystal meth' specifically refers to the clear, crystalline, smokeable form of methamphetamine, which is typically purer and more potent than other forms of 'meth'.
It is named for its appearance; the drug forms into clear, bluish-white, rock-like crystals or shards that resemble ice or glass.
It is a powerful stimulant causing intense euphoria, increased energy and alertness, and decreased appetite. Long-term use leads to severe addiction, psychosis, dental decay ('meth mouth'), and organ damage.
It is a street name/slang term. The legal and medical term is 'methamphetamine' or 'methamphetamine hydrochloride'. 'Crystal meth' is used in journalism, law enforcement, and public discourse.
A highly addictive, crystalline form of the stimulant drug methamphetamine.
Crystal meth is usually informal, journalistic, medical/legal technical. in register.
Crystal meth: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪstl ˈmeθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪstl ˈmeθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to the term; it is typically used literally.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Crystal' clear and destructive like 'Meth'ods of ruin. A 'clear' (crystalline) path to devastation.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRUG AS A CRYSTAL (emphasising purity, solid form, but also fragility and danger); ADDICTION AS A FIRE.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'crystal meth' a specific form of?