opium
|o-pi-um|
🇺🇸
/ˈoʊpiəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈəʊpiəm/
poppy-derived narcotic
Etymology
'opium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'opium', ultimately from Greek 'ὄπιον' ('opion'), where 'ὄπιον' meant 'poppy juice' (the sap or resin of the poppy).
'opium' changed from Greek 'ὄπιον' to Latin 'opium' and entered English via Medieval Latin (and influence from Old French), eventually becoming the modern English word 'opium'.
Initially, it meant 'poppy juice' (the natural latex/resin from the poppy), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a narcotic drug obtained from the opium poppy' and also gained figurative uses (something that dulls or placates).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a narcotic drug obtained from the dried latex (opium resin) of the opium poppy, used historically and medically as an analgesic and sedative.
In the 19th century, opium was widely used to relieve severe pain.
Synonyms
Noun 2
any of the narcotic substances prepared from opium (for example, morphine or heroin), or drugs chemically related to opium.
Heroin is derived from opium and is significantly more potent.
Synonyms
Noun 3
figurative: something that soothes, stupefies, or placates people, often used in expressions such as 'the opium of the people' (e.g., Marx's phrase about religion).
He warned that mass entertainment could become the opium of the people.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 01:13