Definition

Noun: A synthetic dissociative drug originally developed as a general anesthetic for veterinary use. It is now primarily known as an illegal street drug that produces hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, distorting perceptions of sight and sound and creating feelings of detachment from the environment and self. It is commonly known by the street name PCP.

Usage

• As a subject: "Phencyclidine is a dangerous and unpredictable substance."
• As an object: "The laboratory test detected phencyclidine in his system."
• With modifiers: "The abuse of phencyclidine decreased in the 1980s." / "He was arrested for possession of phencyclidine."

Examples

• "The patient was admitted to the emergency room suffering from phencyclidine intoxication."
• "Phencyclidine acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist in the brain."
• "The manufacture of phencyclidine is illegal in most countries."

Advanced Usage

• In legal/forensic contexts: The term is used formally in legal documents, medical reports, and forensic analyses.
  • Example: "The charges included the distribution of a controlled substance, specifically phencyclidine."
• In pharmacological/medical literature: Used to discuss the drug's chemical properties, history, and clinical effects.
  • Example: "Studies on phencyclidine have contributed to the understanding of schizophrenia symptoms."

Variants and Related Words

• PCP: The most common abbreviation and street name for phencyclidine. (e.g., "He was high on PCP.")
• Angel dust: A common slang term for phencyclidine, often referring to its powdered form.
• Dissociative anesthetic: The class of drug to which phencyclidine belongs.
• Phencyclidine hydrochloride: The salt form of the drug.

Synonyms

• Dissociative hallucinogen (descriptive term)
• Illicit drug (general category)
• Psychoactive substance (general category)

Note: Common street names like "angel dust," "rocket fuel," or "hog" are synonyms in informal contexts but are not interchangeable in formal or medical writing.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• On PCP / High on PCP: A common phrase describing the state of intoxication from the drug.
  • Example: "The suspect was reported to be on PCP during the incident."
• PCP abuse / Phencyclidine use disorder: Clinical terms for the problematic use of the drug.

Noun

1. a drug used as an anesthetic by veterinarians; illicitly taken (originally in the form of powder or `dust') for its effects as a hallucinogen