benzodiazepine

noun Pharmacology.

1. any of a family of minor tranquilizers that act against anxiety and convulsions and produce sedation and muscle relaxation.

noun

1. any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

n.

1934, from benzo-, word-forming element used in chemistry to indicate presence of a benzene ring fused with another ring, + di + azo- + epine, a suffix denoting a seven-membered ring, from (h)ep(ta) (see seven).

n.

1. Any of a group of psychotropic agents used as antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and hypnotics.