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

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

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

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