# morphine

/ˈmɔɹfin/ (US) · /mˈɔːfiːn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/morphine
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a very strong medicine that doctors use to stop severe pain. It is usually given in hospitals after a serious injury or surgery.

For teachers: a potent analgesic drug derived from opium, used primarily for the relief of severe or chronic pain. It acts directly on the central nervous system to decrease the perception of pain.

## Examples

- The doctor gave him morphine to help with the pain.
- After the major operation, the patient was monitored closely while receiving morphine through an intravenous drip.
- While morphine remains the gold standard for treating acute post-operative pain, its administration requires careful clinical supervision due to the risk of respiratory depression and potential for physical dependence.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the drug generally; can be countable when referring to specific doses or types in a medical context.

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