phencyclidine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, they are both dissociative anesthetics, but they are distinct chemical compounds. Phencyclidine (PCP) is generally considered more potent and dangerous, with a higher risk of causing psychosis and violent behaviour.

It is illegal because of its high potential for abuse, severe psychological and physical side effects (including psychosis, violence, and death), and lack of accepted medical use in most countries.

Yes, phencyclidine can lead to both psychological dependence and, with chronic use, physical tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, including drug cravings, depression, and anxiety.

In its pure form, it is a white crystalline powder. On the street, it is often found as a powder, but can also be dissolved in liquids or sprayed onto leafy materials like parsley, mint, or cannabis, appearing as a coloured, damp substance.

A powerful, synthetic dissociative drug originally developed as an anesthetic but withdrawn due to severe side effects, now illicitly used as a hallucinogen.

Phencyclidine is usually technical / medical / legal / law enforcement in register.

Phencyclidine: in British English it is pronounced /fɛnˈsʌɪklɪdiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɛnˈsaɪklɪˌdiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.