barbiturates
This term refers to a specific pharmacological class of drugs. In medical and legal contexts, it is used to describe substances that induce sleep or reduce seizure activity by depressing the central nervous system. Because of their high potential for overdose and addiction, their clinical use has largely been superseded by benzodiazepines in modern medicine.
As a technical term for a class of chemicals, it is most frequently encountered in the plural form when referring to the group of drugs as a whole or multiple types of these compounds. While the singular "barbiturate" exists to describe a single molecule or specific drug, the plural is the standard way to discuss the medication category in a clinical setting.
Meanings
Examples
He was found unconscious with a bottle of barbiturates on the nightstand.
The toxicology report confirmed the presence of barbiturates in the bloodstream.