n. Any of a group of chemical compounds with a common molecular structure and similar pharmacological effects, used as antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, hypnotics, and sometimes as anticonvulsants. [BENZO- + diazepine, seven-member ring containing two nitrogens (DI- + AZ(O)- + (H)EP(TA)- + -INE2).] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.