morphine

noun

mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce morphine (audio)
: a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C17H19NO3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of a soluble salt (such as a hydrochloride or a sulfate) as an analgesic and sedative

Examples of morphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sharp guy, our Ray, and a more effective sleuth half-conscious and full of morphine than the entire DEA (except Mina, of course). Andy Andersen, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 Over the next several years, numerous clinical trials in civilian ERs and EMS services confirmed that low-dose ketamine works faster than morphine and is as safe and effective. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The two men don’t stop yelling after a shot of morphine and a few bandages, and Sam’s screams of agony, in particular, seem to go on forever. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025 Clinicians have used morphine and other opioids to manage pain for thousands of years. Heather Margonari, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for morphine

Word History

Etymology

French, from Morpheus

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of morphine was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Morphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morphine. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

morphine

noun
mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce morphine (audio)
: a bitter white habit-forming narcotic drug made from opium and used especially to deaden pain
Etymology

derived from Morpheus "Greek god of dreams"

Medical Definition

morphine

noun
mor·​phine ˈmȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce morphine (audio)
: a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C17H19NO3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of its hydrated sulfate (C17H19NO3)2·H2SO4·5H2O or hydrated hydrochloride C17H19NO3·HCl·3H2O as an analgesic and sedative

More from Merriam-Webster on morphine

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