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

Tissue samples from Fern Franco’s remains, obtained by a search warrant, revealed the presence of both morphine, which suppresses respiration, along with the drug succinylcholine, a paralytic used to relax skeletal muscles as during intubation. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025

Spike takes one of Kelson's tranquilizer darts filled with morphine and stabs Samson in the arm with it. —Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

Frida’s terminally ill mom, Victoria (Montse Guallar), escapes into a hedonistic haze of morphine, imperious behavior, and pansexual dalliances. —Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025

The addictive opioid drug is 50 times more potent than morphine and can trigger a fatal overdose with as little as 2 milligrams, the equivalent of a few grains of salt. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 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