morphine

noun

mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn 

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

Examples of morphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The family knows that the situation threatens to return Mary to her severe morphine addiction that was only recently overcome. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025

In the decades-spanning biopic about legendary French songstress Édith Piaf, 31-year-old Marion Cotillard transformed into a convincing teenage busker, world-famous cabaret singer, and aging, arthritic morphine addict. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Court records show that medical reviewers hired by St. Peter’s highlighted the case of Sharon Dibble, a 75-year-old patient who died shortly after Weiner doubled her morphine prescription. —Mara Silvers, ProPublica, 26 Feb. 2025

Citing the coroner, the Daily Mail stated that Ryan would occasionally take morphine belonging to her boyfriend, Abraham-Browne. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Morpheus

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

morphine

noun

mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn 

: a bitter white habit-forming narcotic drug made from opium and used especially to deaden pain

Etymology

derived from Morpheus "Greek god of dreams"

Medical Definition

morphine

noun

mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn 

: 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