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

Months in the hospital were followed by years of dependence on laudanum and morphine. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

And unlike morphine, ketamine tends to preserve blood pressure and breathing, even when administered to unstable patients. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Authorities suspect someone was removing the narcotics from similar vials — containing morphine and two psychoactive drugs, midazolam and benzodiazapene — and substituting an inert substance. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 May 2025

Every blunder seems to have lingered in their minds: In one scene, Lieutenant Macdonald (Michael Gandolfini) accidentally injects morphine into his own hand while trying to ease Elliott’s pain. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 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