Standard Lemma guide

dextromethorphan

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˌdɛk.stɹoʊ.məˈθɔɹˌfæn/
  • General-American: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

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.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: medicine, pharmacology, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

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

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From dextro- + methorphan.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 右美沙芬 (yòuměishāfēn) — antitussive drug
  • Chinese Mandarin: 右美 (yòuměi) — antitussive drug
  • Finnish: dekstrometorfaani — antitussive drug
  • Portuguese: dextrometorfano — antitussive drug