opioid

[oh-pee-oid]

noun

Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. an opiate, or any similar synthetic compound: formerly referring only to the latter, but now the predominant term for both the opium-derived and synthetically produced substances.

   Illicit use of the synthetic opioid fentanyl is on the rise.

   The opium poppy is the source for all natural opioids.

2. any opiumlike substance.

   Have any opioids been detected in poppies that do not contain opium?

3. any of a group of natural substances, as the endorphins, produced by the body in increased amounts in response to stress and pain.

adjective

1. pertaining to such a substance.

   opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodone;

   opioid neuropeptides.

opioid

/ ˈəʊpɪˌɔɪd /

noun

1. 1. any of a group of substances that resemble morphine in their physiological or pharmacological effects, esp in their pain-relieving properties

   2. (modifier) of or relating to such substances

      opioid receptor

      opioid analgesic

Word History and Origins

Origin of opioid¹

First recorded in 1955–60; opi(um) + -oid

Example Sentences

China’s main connection to the opioid crisis is as the source of the chemicals, known as precursors, used by Mexican cartels that produce fentanyl and smuggle the drug into the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That synthetic opioid, though, is produced in Mexico with Chinese precursors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The main destination is Sinaloa state, home to the fentanyl industry, where the opioid is manufactured at rudimentary labs and pressed into pills for delivery to the U.S. border.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The president has said the U.S. expects to lower tariffs on China in exchange for cooperation in cracking down on the export of chemicals used to make the synthetic opioid.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She testified that she believed her then-husband — their divorce was finalized in 2023 — was selling the baggies of opioids to players to make extra money because the family had financial difficulties.

Read more on Los Angeles Times