noun
thalidomide
thuh-LID-uh-myde/θəˈlɪdəmaɪd/
A drug used to treat certain diseases that can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Doctors prescribe thalidomide for certain diseases under strict safety controls.
Etymology
The shortened chemical name phthalimidoglutarimide became the name of a sedative used for morning sickness, later notorious for causing severe birth defects.
In context
if we were part of the generation whose mothers took thalidomide to help with Mourning sickness
More examples
- Taking thalidomide during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects.
- Her doctor includes thalidomide in her treatment for multiple myeloma.
- The pharmacist reviews the risks before dispensing thalidomide.