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

In 1997, Farley died from an overdose of cocaine and morphine in Chicago. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 2 May 2025

Opioids Opioids are strong prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

There are lyrical allusions to morphine and a pretty, romantic melody. —Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025

During the lockdown period of COVID, while suffering from chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis, O’Neal had been prescribed morphine by a doctor who either didn’t know or didn’t care about her addictions. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 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