Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

thalidomide

noun

/θəˈlɪdəˌmaɪd/

Definition

Thalidomide is a medication that was originally developed in the 1950s as a sedative and later used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women.

Examples

Thalidomide was once marketed as a safe sedative for pregnant women.
After discovering the effects of thalidomide, it was withdrawn from the market.
In recent years, thalidomide has been revived for specific medical uses in a controlled manner.

Meaning

Thalidomide is primarily known for its severe side effects when taken during pregnancy, leading to birth defects, but it has also found use in treating certain illnesses, such as multiple myeloma and leprosy-related complications.