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Opioid: meaning, definitions and examples

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opioid

 

[ หˆoสŠpiษ”ษชd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical field

An opioid is a class of drugs that includes both legal prescription medications and illegal substances derived from the opium poppy. They are primarily used for pain relief, but can also produce euphoria, leading to their potential for misuse and addiction. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, effectively altering the perception of pain. Commonly prescribed opioids include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Due to their addictive nature, they are regulated substances in many countries.

Synonyms

analgesic, narcotic, opioid analgesic, painkiller

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed opioids for post-surgery pain relief.
  • Opioid addiction has become a major public health crisis.
  • Patients must be monitored closely when taking opioids.
  • Long-term use of opioids can lead to dependence.

Translations

Translations of the word "opioid" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น opioide

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค“เคชเคฟเค“เค‡เคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Opioid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ opioid

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฟั–ะพั—ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ opioid

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒ”ใ‚ชใ‚คใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท opioรฏde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ opioide

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท opioid

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜คํ”ผ์˜ค์ด๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃููŠูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opioid

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ opioid

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้˜ฟ็‰‡็ฑป่ฏ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ opioid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณpรญรณรญรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฟะธะพะธะด

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒžแƒ˜แƒแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opioid

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ opioide

Etymology

The term 'opioid' is derived from the word 'opium,' which traces its roots back to the Latin 'opium' and Greek 'opion,' meaning 'poppy juice.' The word 'opioid' was first introduced in the 20th century as a way to broadly describe any substance that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, encompassing both natural and synthetic derivatives. The understanding of opioids has evolved over time, particularly as medicinal use expanded and the risks of addiction and dependency became apparent. The growing awareness of the opioid epidemic, especially in the United States, has further influenced the dialogue and research surrounding opioids, making it a significant topic in the fields of medicine, pharmacology, and public health.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,405, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.