rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryopiumPoppy-derived drug
noun

opium

OH-pee-uhm/ˈəʊpiəm/

A narcotic drug made from the milky sap of the opium poppy.

The museum specimen of opium lies beside a poppy capsule and flower.

A museum-style botanical specimen still life: a small dark brown piece of dried poppy resin in a shallow ceramic specimen dish beside a green poppy capsule and a pale poppy flower on white paper.
Etymology
opGreekplant juice
+iumGreekdiminutive

The plant-juice root and diminutive formed a Greek name specifically for poppy juice. The drug takes its name from that juice, thickened for medicinal use.

In context

Animalogic3:43
Dried poppy latex contains two kinds of opium alkaloids. One type that includes morphine, codeine, and thebaine acts on the central nervous system. These alkaloids are powerful pain relieving narcotics
This Plant Is Dangerously Addictive

More examples

  • The book traced the opium trade.
  • The laboratory examined the opium sample.
  • The historical record described dependence on opium.

Forms

opium

Similar words

morphine
A specific compound obtained from opium.
heroin
A different drug chemically derived from morphine.