noun methylene-dioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, a mildly hallucinogenic empathogen and/or entactogen, a drug of empathy and touch. Easily the most recognisable slang name for this widely popular recreational drug; it derives from the senses of well-being and affection felt by users. The illegal status of the drug has encouraged a great many alternative names; some are generic (E is probably the most widely known), and some serve as brand names. Originally synthesized by German pharmaceutical company Merck some time before 1912. Since the 1980s the drug has been inextricably linked with RAVE culture US, 1985