morphine

Meaning

Noun

• A crystalline alkaloid (7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methyl-morphinan-3,6-diol), extracted from opium, the salts of which are soluble in water and are used as analgesics, anaesthetics and sedatives; it is one of a group of morphine alkaloids.

Origin

• Borrowed from French morphine or German Morphin, from Ancient Greek Μορφεύς ("the god and personification of dreams").