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 analgesic

      opioid receptor

Word History and Origins

Origin of opioid¹

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

Example Sentences

A Santa Clarita man was charged this week in what federal prosecutors believe is the country’s first death due to a synthetic opioid three times stronger than fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

Current medications used to treat chronic abdominal pain often rely on opioids.

From Science Daily

She has also served on Trump's opioid and drug abuse commission.

From BBC

Volkow’s study adds to a growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence that GLP-1 medications can reduce cravings among people with substance use disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cannabis and stimulants.

From Salon

West Virginia, for example, has the highest opioid death rate but its homeless population is a fraction of California’s, even when accounting for its small population.

From Los Angeles Times