1. Parent compound for the synthesis of a number of psychoactive compounds ( e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide). 2. A class of compounds with antianxiety, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.
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ben·zo·di·az·e·pine .ben-zō-dī-'az-ə-.pēn n any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used esp. as tranquilizers
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ben·zo·di·az·e·pine (ben″zo-di-azґə-pēn) any of a group of compounds having a common molecular structure and acting similarly as depressants of the central nervous system, their actions including antianxiety, sedative, hypnotic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxing effects.Medical dictionary. 2011.