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. a white odourless bitter-tasting crystalline powder related to morphine: a highly addictive narcotic. Formula: C 21 H 23 NO 5 Technical namesdiamorphinediacetylmorphine

heroin

/ hĕr′ō-ĭn /

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

Although 24 states have legalized cannabis, it remains illegal at the federal level, carrying the same criminal penalties as heroin and MDMA.

From Salon

Asked about his mother's heroin addiction, the actor said it "caught her" as well as his uncle and father.

From BBC

So was grunge rocker Kurt Cobain when he died of suicide in 1994 and rock ‘n’ roll queen Janis Joplin when she succumbed to a heroin overdose in 1970.

From Los Angeles Times

At the federal level, marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule I drug and carries the same criminal penalties as heroin.

From Salon

A former soldier who became a heroin dealer is now a successful artist after finding his passion while serving a 13-year prison sentence.

From BBC

Related Words

• dope
• drug
• narcotic
• smack