Heroin

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛɹoʊ.ɪn/

Definitions

1. An opioid medication made from morphine that is known for its pain-relieving properties and high potential for abuse and addiction, often resulting in severe withdrawal upon discontinuation
2. A potent narcotic synthesized from morphine, recognized for its use in extreme cases of pain management and its dangerous tendency to create physical dependence and various health risks
3. A powerful narcotic substance derived from morphine used medically in some countries but mostly illegal due to its high addiction risk

Etymology: Heroin began as a brand name. Bayer, the German chemical company, introduced it in the 1890s as a painkiller and cough suppressant, and the name was chosen to suggest a strong, heroic effect on the body. The word is built from Ancient Greek "hērōs," meaning "hero," plus the chemical suffix "-in," the same ending found in words like morphine and codeine. The name's origin is also explained another way: some say it refers to the "heroic" school of medicine, which favored powerful, aggressive remedies. The source only offers this as an alternative, so it remains uncertain which explanation is correct, though the link to the Greek word for hero is clear in either case. Over time, the trademark became a generic term. Once the drug was widely known by its chemical role rather than its maker, "heroin" stopped referring to one company's product and came to name the substance itself, as it does today.

Synonyms: diacetylmorphine, smack, H, horse, junk