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

Narcotics Use Use of narcotics other than heroin (including Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet) among 12th graders decreased to an all-time low of 0.6 percent in 2024, down from a peak of 9.5 percent in 2004. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

The measure also allows prosecutors to now bring felonies against those with multiple convictions for possession of drugs like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. —Teri Figueroa, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024

Yet heroin insinuated the lives of Stein and Harry at the peak of their success in the early 1980s, and the group’s fortunes faded as the addiction worsened. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

At first, most of these victims died after overdosing on heroin or various prescription painkillers. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Foreign Affairs, 12 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