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Morphine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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morphine

[หˆmษ”หrfiหn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical drug

Morphine is an opioid medication used to relieve severe pain. It works by blocking pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. Morphine can be administered in various forms, including injections, oral tablets, and suppositories. It is a powerful analgesic but comes with a risk of addiction and respiratory depression. Patients must be closely monitored while using morphine to manage pain effectively and minimize side effects.

Synonyms

analgesic, narcotic, opioid, pain reliever.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed morphine for her post-surgery pain.
  • He was given morphine to help manage his chronic back pain.
  • Morphine is often used in palliative care to ease suffering.
  • The nurse administered morphine via an IV during the emergency.
  • After the accident, he was treated with morphine for severe injuries.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Uses

  • Morphine was widely used during the American Civil War to treat pain from injuries, leading to a phenomenon known as 'soldier's disease' or addiction.
  • Its introduction revolutionized pain treatment, allowing surgeons to perform more complex procedures with less patient discomfort.

Medical Insights

  • It works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and creating a feeling of euphoria.
  • Despite its effectiveness, it carries a high potential for addiction and abuse, making careful use essential in medicine.

Cultural Impact

  • Morphine has appeared in various films and literature, often associated with themes of suffering and addiction.
  • Its use in medicine has sparked significant debate in both ethical and medical spheres, particularly regarding pain management practices.

Synthetic Variants

  • Researchers have developed synthetic opioids inspired by morphine, aiming to enhance pain relief while reducing side effects.
  • Fentanyl, a much stronger synthetic opioid, has its roots in morphine research but poses greater risks for overdose.

Origin of 'morphine'

Main points about word origin

  • The name comes from 'Morpheus,' the Greek god of dreams, reflecting its powerful effects on pain relief.
  • It was first isolated from opium in the early 19th century, marking it as one of the earliest pain management drugs.

The word 'morphine' is derived from the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus, due to its sedative effects. It was first isolated from opium in 1804 by the German pharmacist Friedrich Sertรผrner, who named it in 1806. Morphine became known for its potent analgesic properties and began to be used in medicine in the 19th century. By the 1850s, it was extensively used as a pain management tool, particularly during the American Civil War. Its potential for addiction was recognized early on, leading to various regulations and concerns over its use in healthcare. The discovery of morphine opened the door to the development of other synthetic opioids and pain management strategies, and it remains a cornerstone of pain treatment today. However, the opioid crisis has led to a reevaluation of its use and the importance of prescribing practices.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,196, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.