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
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While morphine eased my father’s breathing, our emotional pain sharpened.
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Harris said that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
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The painkiller carfentanil, a version of fentanyl, is 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
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The Dayton Daily News reports the autopsy report doesn’t indicate if the Halyes knew the cocaine contained carfentanil — a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 1,000 times more powerful than morphine.
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The IG's investigation found the nurse on at least 18 occasions took for her personal use oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and lorazepam that were intended for Community Living Center geriatric patients.
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Trying to control the pain resulting from those wounds, Pemberton became addicted to morphine.
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
First Known Use: 1817
MORPHINE Defined for English Language Learners
morphine
playDefinition of morphine for English Language Learners
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: a powerful drug made from opium that is used to reduce pain
MORPHINE Defined for Kids
morphine
playDefinition of morphine for Students
: a habit-forming drug made from opium and used to relieve pain
Medical Dictionary
morphine
playMedical 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
Learn More about morphine
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See words that rhyme with morphine Spanish Central: Translation of morphine Nglish: Translation of morphine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of morphine for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morphine
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