heroin

[ her-oh-in ]
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nounPharmacology.
  1. a white, crystalline, narcotic powder, C21H23NO5, 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.

Origin of heroin

1
1895–1900; formerly trademark; <German Heroin<Greek hērō-, stem of hḗrōshero + German -in-in2; allegedly so called from the feelings of power and euphoria which it stimulates

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British Dictionary definitions for heroin

heroin

/ (ˈhɛrəʊɪn) /


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

Origin of heroin

1
C19: coined in German as a trademark, probably from hero, referring to its aggrandizing effect on the personality

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for heroin

heroin

[ hĕrō-ĭn ]


  1. A white, odorless, bitter crystalline compound, C17H17NO(C2H3O2)2, that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic.

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