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

Police later searched the residence and found half-ounces of several different drugs, including fentanyl, a ledger that dictated the per-kilogram price of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, and several empty kilogram wraps believed to have once contained fentanyl, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024

Avery struggles with heroin addiction for years before getting sober. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

However, fentanyl is a hundred times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. —Ryan Anderson, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and is so potent that one kilogram — or 2.2 pounds — is enough to kill 500,000 people. —Faith Karimi, CNN, 25 Oct. 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