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.
Also called
diacetylmorphine,
diamorphine.
Origin of heroin
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH heroin
heroin heroineWords nearby heroin
heroic stanza,
heroic verse,
heroicize,
heroicomic,
heroics,
heroin,
heroin chic,
heroine,
heroinism,
heroism,
heroize
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
[ hĕr′ō-ĭn ]
n.
A white, bitter, crystalline compound that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic.
diacetylmorphine
Scientific definitions for heroin
heroin
[ hĕr′ō-ĭn ]
A white, odorless, bitter crystalline compound, C17H17NO(C2H3O2)2, that is derived from morphine and is a highly addictive narcotic.