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

Unlike its parent alkaloid, 7-OH is a full mu-opioid agonist, estimated to be several times more potent than morphine. — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Now, a study has shown that going to church has a similar effect on the body to morphine. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 6 July 2026

Listen to this week’s episode to learn more, including the story of how a Civil War vet and morphine addict accidentally invented the world’s most famous soda. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 1 July 2026

After a shot of morphine, Jim asserted command of the firefight. — Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Morpheus

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for morphine

• apomorphine

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