heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

ˈhe-rə-

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

heroinism

ˈher-ə-wə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nation's overdose deaths spiked last decade due to fatal episodes with opioids, then heroin. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 8 May 2024

One of those sources and another law enforcement official, who also was not cleared to speak publicly about the case and requested anonymity, told The Times that Meiser was arrested for allegedly smuggling heroin into the the jail complex in Castaic. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the United States but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

called also acetomorphine, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine