opioid

[oh-pee-oid]

noun

Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. an opiate, or any similar synthetic compound: formerly referring only to the latter, but now the predominant term for both the opium-derived and synthetically produced substances.

   Illicit use of the synthetic opioid fentanyl is on the rise.

   The opium poppy is the source for all natural opioids.

2. any opiumlike substance.

   Have any opioids been detected in poppies that do not contain opium?

3. any of a group of natural substances, as the endorphins, produced by the body in increased amounts in response to stress and pain.

adjective

1. pertaining to such a substance.

   opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodone;

   opioid neuropeptides.

opioid

/ ˈəʊpɪˌɔɪd /

noun

1. 1. any of a group of substances that resemble morphine in their physiological or pharmacological effects, esp in their pain-relieving properties

   2. (modifier) of or relating to such substances

      opioid receptor

      opioid analgesic

Word History and Origins

Origin of opioid¹

First recorded in 1955–60; opi(um) + -oid

Example Sentences

The remnants of Purdue will become Knoa Pharma, a company owned by a foundation, that will provide opioid use disorder treatments and overdose reversal medicines, "with no obligation to maximize profits," the company said.

Read more on Barron's

Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York marks the probable end of the longest and costliest corporate bankruptcy case stemming from the U.S. opioid crisis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So while there can be unpleasant side effects or withdrawal symptoms, antidepressants don’t pose a risk for addiction like opioids or even stimulants.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nitazenes are an emerging class of synthetic opioids responsible for an increasing number of overdose deaths globally, with at least 13 different types identified.

Read more on Salon

China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, the highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.

Read more on Barron's