heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

ˈhe-rə-

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

heroinism

ˈher-ə-wə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to court records, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased heroin/fentanyl from Bonilla on four occasions between March and May 2020. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025

Image Situated in mountains that until a few years ago were blanketed with opium poppies, the plant used to make heroin, Alcozauca is an eight-hour drive from Mexico City, the last leg on spine-challenging washboard dirt roads. —César Rodríguez For The New York Times, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

The number of fentanyl users now using heroin in Colorado has skyrocketed from 4% to 15%, part of a broader trend in the West, according to drug testing data. —John Frank, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

Pierre Burnett: Charged with conspiring to distribute 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin. —Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the United States but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

called also acetomorphine, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine