LSD
UK[ˌel es ˈdiː]US[ˌel es ˈdiː]
n
A powerful synthetic drug that causes hallucinations and changes in perception, mood, and thought.
n
The abbreviation for the compound lysergic acid diethylamide.
Etymology
LSD is an initialism for the full chemical name lysergic acid diethylamide. The term "lysergic" derives from "lysis" (a Greek root meaning 'loosening, dissolution') and "ergot," the fungus from which the base compound was first isolated. "Diethylamide" specifies the chemical modification of the acid. Coined in the 1930s by its Swiss discoverer Albert Hofmann, the abbreviation LSD entered popular English vocabulary in the mid-20th century, shifting from a technical term in chemistry to the common name for the potent psychoactive substance. Its journey reflects the scientific naming conventions of organic compounds and their subsequent cultural adoption.
Analysis
This is an initialism, not a compound word formed from combinable morphemes. It stands for the full chemical name "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide." The letters L, S, and D are not independent morphemes in this context but represent the first letters of the constituent words in the compound name.
Examples
The psychologist studied the effects of LSD on human consciousness.
LSD was used in some psychotherapy experiments during the 1950s.
The song's lyrics were inspired by an LSD experience.