a crystalline solid, CHNO, formerly used as a sedative and hypnotic: found to be responsible for severe birth deformities when taken during pregnancy
See thalidomide in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(thə-lĭdˈə-mīdˌ)
noun
A sedative and hypnotic drug, C13H10N2O4, withdrawn from general use after it was found to cause severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy. It is sometimes prescribed to treat leprosy.