Dictionary

morphine

noun mor·phine \ˈmr-ˌfēn\

: a powerful drug made from opium that is used to reduce pain

Full Definition of MORPHINE

:  a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C17H19NO3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of a soluble salt (as a hydrochloride or a sulfate) as an analgesic and sedative
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of MORPHINE

French, from Morpheus
First Known Use: 1828
MORPHINE Defined for Kids

morphine

noun mor·phine \ˈmr-ˌfēn\

Definition of MORPHINE for Kids

:  a habit-forming drug made from opium and used to relieve pain
Medical Dictionary

morphine

noun mor·phine \ˈmr-ˌfēn\

Medical Definition of MORPHINE

:  a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C17H19NO3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of its hydrated sulfate (C17H19NO3)2·H2SO4·5H2O or hydrated hydrochloride C17H19NO3·HCl·3H2O as an analgesic and sedative

Biographical Note for MORPHINE

Mor·pheus, \ˈmr-fē-əs, -ˌf(y)üs\ Greek mythological character. Morpheus was one of the sons of Hypnos, the god of sleep. As a dream-god Morpheus made human shapes appear to dreamers. His two brothers were responsible for sending forms of animals and inanimate things.

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: morphinismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: -morphicAll Words Near: morphine
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears