heroin

[her-oh-in]

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.

heroin

/ 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

heroin

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heroin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heroin¹

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

Example Sentences

For many people, opioid addiction begins with prescribed pain pills, such as OxyContin, before they increase their consumption and eventually turn to illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic opioid.

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Social media influencers tout them as lifestyle medications that can turn around your life, while Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says they’re more addictive than heroin.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nyaope is a highly addictive street drug in South Africa, often containing substances like low-grade heroin, cannabis, antiretroviral drugs, and in some cases even rat poison.

Read more on BBC

Afghanistan used to produce more than 80% of the world's opium, with heroin made from Afghan opium making up 95% of the market in Europe.

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"You can't go online and search for heroin and get that delivered to your door, but nitrous oxide does feel more accessible and more marketed towards young people," he said.

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Related Words

• dope 
• drug 
• narcotic 
• smack