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

Another class of drugs that exploit a natural mechanism to decrease the ability of CaV2.2 to respond to pain signalling are the opioid drugs, like morphine and heroin.

From Science Daily

Indeed some critics have pointed to the DEA's crackdown on opioid "pill mills" with pushing more people to use street heroin and eventually fentanyl, which resulted in overdoses soaring as prescriptions fell.

From Salon

Kennedy, who was addicted to heroin for 14 years in his youth, has also talked about wanting to help tackle America's substance abuse crisis.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• dope
• drug
• narcotic
• smack