Dimethyltryptamines

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A class of molecules derived from tryptamine, often associated with psychedelic effects
2. compounds that feature two methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom of the tryptamine structure
3. substances known for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness and profound psychological experiences

Etymology: Dimethyltryptamines are named by chemistry's standard method of stacking parts: "dimethyl" tells you that two methyl groups (each a single carbon attached to a hydrogen-rich frame) have been attached to the molecule, and "tryptamine" names the parent compound. Tryptamine itself takes its name from tryptophan, the amino acid it is made from, with the "-amine" ending marking its nitrogen-containing structure. The plural form simply counts several members of this family. Because the family's members differ only in where those two methyl groups sit, chemists refer to the whole group together, and the plural is used when comparing or listing more than one of them.