What is the origin of 'sleep tight'?
Read moreOne of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
An isoquinoline derivative and central nervous system stimulant formerly given (especially as the maleate) in the treatment of depression; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-phenylisoquinolin-8-ylamine, C₁₆H₁₈N₂.
1970s; earliest use found in WHO Chronicle. Origin uncertain: perhaps from nomi- (rearrangement of -mino in amino-) + fen- + -s- (perhaps an arbitrary element) + -ine.