dextromethorphan

US/ˌdɛk.stɹoʊ.məˈθɔɹˌfæn/

noun

An opioid that is used as an antitussive drug, found in many over-the-counter cold and cough preparations, and as an NMDA blocker used to treat pseudobulbar affect.

Similar
DXMDMdexdrankorphan tears
Opposite
levomethorphan
Less commonScrabble 34
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Meanings

noundextromethorphan (uncountable)
  1. uncountablemedicineAn opioid that is used as an antitussive drug, found in many over-the-counter cold and cough preparations, and as an NMDA blocker used to treat pseudobulbar affect.

    Synonyms: DXM, DM, dex, drank, orphan tears

Synonyms & antonyms

nounAn opioid that is used as an antitussive drug, found in many over-the-counter cold and cough preparations, and as an NMDA blocker used to treat pseudobulbar affect.

Similar
DXMDMdexdrankorphan tears
Opposite
levomethorphan
Also see
orphan tears

Origin

From dextro- + methorphan.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Chinese Mandarin 右美沙芬, 右美
  • 右美沙芬 (yòuměishāfēn)antitussive drug
  • 右美 (yòuměi)antitussive drug
Finnish dekstrometorfaani
  • dekstrometorfaaniantitussive drug
Portuguese dextrometorfano
  • dextrometorfanoantitussive drug
Cite this entry
APA

dextromethorphan. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dextromethorphan

MLA

“dextromethorphan.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dextromethorphan. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “dextromethorphan,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dextromethorphan.

Source: dextromethorphan on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.