morphine

noun

mor·phine | \ ˈmȯr-ˌfēn

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

Examples of morphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To break down the lethal threat of this synthetic opioid, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, HFSC said. — Alison Medley, Chron, "Deadly fentanyl found in XTC 'party pills' targeted at teens in Houston area," 2 Apr. 2021 Shortly after his back surgery in 2016, Ulrich called police to accuse medical aides, without evidence, of stealing hundreds of prescription pills and medications, including Percocet, Valium and morphine. — Alex Chhith, Star Tribune, "Buffalo clinic shooting suspect enraged over opioids loss, search warrant says," 19 Feb. 2021 And some go further, administering such high doses of morphine that their dying patients fall unconscious and never wake up again. — Katie Engelhart, The Atlantic, "‘I’m the Doctor Who Is Here to Help You Die’," 2 Mar. 2021 Taylor soon seemed to be in so much pain that staff gave her morphine. — oregonlive, "COVID-19′s disparate toll on Oregon, one year later," 28 Feb. 2021 Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. — Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, "As fatal overdoses surge in Jefferson Parish, deadly new fentanyl variants emerge," 2 Feb. 2021 Now, a study suggests the key intoxicating chemicals in the plants activate cats' opioid systems much like heroin and morphine do in people. — Star Tribune, "Quiet And Cool Start To The Week - January Temp-wise Is Still Above Average," 24 Jan. 2021 Now, a study suggests the key intoxicating chemicals in the plants activate cats’ opioid systems much like heroin and morphine do in people. — Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, "Why cats are crazy for catnip," 20 Jan. 2021 Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent. — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, "Jeff Grosso autopsy reveals fentanyl played role in legendary skateboarder’s death," 17 Dec. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

6 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Morphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morphine. Accessed 11 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for morphine

morphine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of morphine

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

See the full definition for morphine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

morphine

noun

mor·phine | \ ˈmȯr-ˌfēn

Kids Definition of morphine

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

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

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