morphine

noun mor·phine \ ˈmȯr-ˌfēn \

|Updated on: 29 Jul 2018

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 (such as a hydrochloride or a sulfate) as an analgesic and sedative

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Recent Examples of morphine from the Web

In the early 20th century, riders used cocaine (to pedal faster) and morphine (to hurt less).

— marc peruzzi, Outside Online, "Stop Boycotting Pro Cycling," 6 July 2018
The group's April survey of 343 hospital pharmacists found 98 percent had dealt with moderate or severe shortages of the key opioids for treating serious pain: morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone, better known as Dilaudid.

— linda a. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "The other opioid crisis: Hospitals grapple with prolonged injected opioid shortage," 28 June 2018
The group’s April survey of 343 hospital pharmacists found 98 percent had dealt with moderate or severe shortages of the key opioids for treating serious pain: morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone, better known as Dilaudid.

— Washington Post, "US hospitals grapple with prolonged injected opioid shortage," 27 June 2018
About 80 percent of hospitals treat newborn withdrawal with morphine, the only opioid approved for pediatric use.

— marie mccullough, Philly.com, "Newborns in opioid withdrawal may do better on methadone than morphine, major study finds," 18 June 2018
Was issued a field kit containing morphine, bandages, sulfa, etc.

— phoebe wall howard, Detroit Free Press, "Service Diary of a Corpsman: Roy L. Wall, LST 509," 28 May 2018
Heroin was a factor in six of the deaths, morphine in another, and all the victims had histories of heroin addiction.

— jesse garza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Sober living' house at risk after opioid deaths," 27 May 2018
He also was charged with possessing morphine, Xanax and marijuana at the time of this arrest, about 30 minutes after the robbery.

— robert a. cronkleton and tony rizzo, kansascity, "Man charged in robbery of Mr. G's Liquor store, where owner was killed in 2010 | The Kansas City Star," 3 Apr. 2018
While celebrity deaths by drug overdose are nothing new, the usual culprits are familiar names like cocaine, morphine, and heroin.

— Newsweek, "Amazing Photos of Bioluminescent Phytoplankton," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'morphine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of morphine

French, from Morpheus

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First Known Use: 1817

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MORPHINE Defined for English Language Learners

morphine

noun

Definition of morphine for English Language Learners

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

MORPHINE Defined for Kids

morphine

noun mor·phine \ ˈmȯr-ˌfēn \

Definition of morphine for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

morphine

noun mor·phine \ ˈmȯr-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 play \ˈmȯr-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.