heroin

[ her-oh-in ]
/ ˈhɛr oʊ ɪn /

noun Pharmacology.

a white, crystalline, narcotic powder, C21H23NO5, 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.

Origin of heroin

1895–1900; formerly trademark; < German Heroin < Greek hērō-, stem of hḗrōs hero + German -in -in2; allegedly so called from the feelings of power and euphoria which it stimulates

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH heroin

heroin heroine

Example sentences from the Web for heroin

British Dictionary definitions for heroin

heroin
/ (ˈhɛrəʊɪn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for heroin

C19: coined in German as a trademark, probably from hero, referring to its aggrandizing effect on the personality

Medical definitions for heroin

heroin
[ hĕrō-ĭn ]

n.

A white, bitter, crystalline compound that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic. diacetylmorphine

Scientific definitions for heroin

heroin
[ hĕrō-ĭn ]

A white, odorless, bitter crystalline compound, C17H17NO(C2H3O2)2, that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic.