Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, mood and mind altering amphetamine derivative that was first used in experimental psychotherapeutic treatments (subsequently made illegal in the USA in 1985)
(3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Illegal drug in increasing use from the 1980s. It is a modified amphetamine with mild psychedelic effects, and works by depleting serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the brain. Its long-term effects are unknown, but animal experiments have shown brain damage.

ETYM French extase, Latin ecstasis, from Greek ekstasis, put out of place, derange; ex = ek out + stellein to set, stand.
1. A state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion; SYN. rapture, transport, exaltation.
2. A state of elated bliss; SYN. repture.
(religion) A state of exaltation where the self is transcended. It covers a range of phenomena from mysticism to spirit possession and shamanism. In Hinduism the achievement of ecstasy, bhava, is a sign of spiritual advancement on the yogic path.