: 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
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Medics need perishable or controlled items like morphine.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Clinical trials in the 1970s explored the potential of naltrexone as a treatment for opioid dependence, focusing on its ability to block the effects of drugs such as heroin and morphine and thereby reduce the likelihood of relapse.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
In America, the drug remains legal, though one of the compounds is believed to be 13 times more potent than morphine.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Researchers say the drug is 13 times stronger than morphine and has a high potential to be abused.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2026
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Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Clinical trials in the 1970s explored the potential of naltrexone as a treatment for opioid dependence, focusing on its ability to block the effects of drugs such as heroin and morphine and thereby reduce the likelihood of relapse.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
In America, the drug remains legal, though one of the compounds is believed to be 13 times more potent than morphine.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Researchers say the drug is 13 times stronger than morphine and has a high potential to be abused.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for morphine
Cite this Entry
“Morphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morphine. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
morphine
noun
mor·phine
ˈmȯr-ˌfēn 
: 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
: 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
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