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

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 formsmor·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

Word Origin and History for morphia

morphine

chief alkaloid of opium, 1828, from French morphine or German Morphin (1816), name coined by German apothecary Friedrich Sertürner (1783-1840) in reference to Latin Morpheus, Ovid's name for the god of dreams, from Greek morphe "form, shape, beauty, outward appearance," perhaps from PIE *merph-, a possible Greek root meaning "form," of unknown origin. So called because of the drug's sleep-inducing properties.

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.