Definition

Noun: 1. A powerful sedative drug: "red devil" is a slang term for the barbiturate drug secobarbital sodium, known by the brand name Seconal. It is a central nervous system depressant used medically for severe insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic, but it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The name references the drug's historical appearance as a red capsule.

Usage

• The term "red devil" is primarily used in informal, non-medical contexts, often to discuss the drug's abuse, illicit use, or dangerous effects.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the 1960s, "red devils" were a notorious drug of abuse.
  • The doctor warned about the dangers of taking a "red devil" without a prescription.

Advanced Usage / Notes

• The term is strongly associated with the mid-20th century and carries connotations of significant danger, addiction, and overdose risk.
• It is rarely, if ever, used in formal medical or pharmaceutical settings, where the generic name secobarbital or the brand name Seconal is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Secobarbital (n): The generic pharmaceutical name for the drug.
• Seconal (n): A former brand name for secobarbital sodium capsules.
• Barbiturate (n): The class of sedative-hypnotic drugs to which secobarbital belongs.

Synonyms

• Downer (slang): A general term for sedative or depressant drugs.
• Seccy (slang): Another informal term for secobarbital.

Important Warning

"Red devil" refers to a controlled substance with a high risk of fatal overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol. This information is for linguistic and educational purposes only.

Noun

1. barbiturate that is a white odorless slightly bitter powder (trade name Seconal) used as a sodium salt for sedation and to treat convulsions