Word
opiate
Phoneticsopi·ate
/ˈoʊˌpiət/
Definition
n. a powerful drug that comes from the poppy plant or is made in a lab. It is used to treat very strong pain, but it can also be very addictive.
n. a narcotic drug derived from the opium poppy or synthesized from it, used primarily for the relief of severe pain. Often used in medical contexts to distinguish natural alkaloids like morphine from synthetic derivatives like heroin.
Examples
“The doctor prescribed a small dose of the opiate to manage the patient's pain.”
“The clinic provides medical supervision for patients who are transitioning from an opiate to a less addictive painkiller.”
“While the therapeutic benefits of the opiate are undeniable for terminal patients, the potential for physical and psychological dependence remains a significant concern for public health officials.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor prescribed a small dose of the opiate to manage the patient's pain.”
contextual
“The clinic provides medical supervision for patients who are transitioning from an opiate to a less addictive painkiller.”
complex
“While the therapeutic benefits of the opiate are undeniable for terminal patients, the potential for physical and psychological dependence remains a significant concern for public health officials.”
Real-World Examples
“Nitazenes are created in laboratories and can be hundreds of times stronger than traditional opiates and opioids.” “My mum didn't think she would have to lock up the opiates from her 13-year-old daughter, but I was already drinking at that point," the singer told podcast Call Her Daddy in 2022.” Etymology
From Middle English opiate, from Medieval Latin opiātus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/opiate