morphine

[ mawr-feen ]

/ ˈmɔr fin /

noun Pharmacology.

a white, bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C17H19NO3⋅H2O, the most important narcotic and addictive principle of opium, obtained by extraction and crystallization and used chiefly in medicine as a pain reliever and sedative.

Nearby words

morpheme structure condition, morphemics, morpheus, morphia, morphic resonance, morphine, morphing, morphinism, morpho, morpho-, morphogenesis

Also mor·phi·a

[mawr-fee-uh] /ˈmɔr fi ə/.

Origin of morphine

From the German word Morphin, dating back to 1820–30. See Morpheus, -ine²

Related forms

mor·phin·ic

[mawr-fin-ik] /mɔrˈfɪn ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for morphia

Morphia and atropia may be exhibited subcutaneously in small doses, to be repeated as often as proper.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various
But he was to have a morphia piqre at five o'clock, and they have given it to him to make sure.
A Journal of Impressions in Belgium|May Sinclair
On a stretcher that rested on trestles he was lying, conscious, though a little confused by morphia.
Tell England|Ernest Raymond
They should be resisted as much as opium, morphia, cocaine, hashish and the like.
Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why|Martha M. Allen

We were without medicines; it was almost impossible to get morphia, quinine, and other remedies.
Dixie After the War|Myrta Lockett Avary

British Dictionary definitions for morphia

morphine

morphia (ˈmɔːfɪə)

/ (ˈmɔːfiːn) /

noun

an alkaloid extracted from opium: used in medicine as an analgesic and sedative, although repeated use causes addiction. Formula: C 17 H 19 NO 3

Word Origin for morphine

C19: from French, from Morpheus

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

Medicine definitions for morphia (1 of 2)

morphia

[ môr′fē-ə ]

n.

morphine

Medicine definitions for morphia (2 of 2)

morphine

[ môr′fēn′ ]

n.

A bitter crystalline alkaloid extracted from opium, the soluble salts of which are used in medicine as an analgesic, a light anesthetic, or a sedative.morphia

Science definitions for morphia

morphine

[ môr′fēn′ ]

A highly addictive drug derived from opium and used to treat intractable pain, as in severe injury or metastatic cancer.

Culture definitions for morphia

morphine

[ (mawr-feen) ]

An addictive drug derived from opium that is used as an analgesic and sedative.