heroin

American  

[her-oh-in] / ˈhɛr oʊ ɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, narcotic powder, C 21 H 23 NO 5 , derived from morphine, formerly used as an analgesic and sedative: manufacture and importation of heroin are now controlled by federal law in the U.S. because of the danger of addiction.

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heroin British  

/ ˈhɛrəʊɪn /

noun

1. Technical names: diamorphine.   diacetylmorphine.  a white odourless bitter-tasting crystalline powder related to morphine: a highly addictive narcotic. Formula: C 21 H 23 NO 5

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heroin Scientific  

/ hĕr′ō-ĭn /

1. A white, odorless, bitter crystalline compound, C ₁₇ H ₁₇ NO(C ₂ H ₃ O ₂) ₂, that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic.

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Etymology

Origin of heroin

1895–1900; formerly trademark; < German Heroin < Greek hērō-, stem of hḗrōs hero + German -in -in ²; allegedly so called from the feelings of power and euphoria which it stimulates

Related Words

• dope
• drug
• narcotic
• smack