What does OPIUM mean?

Opium

1. Parts of Speech: Noun

2. Definition: a highly addictive drug derived from the dried sap of the opium poppy, containing alkaloids such as morphine and codeine that have narcotic and sedative effects.

3. Pronunciations: US: OH-pee-uhm; UK: OH-pee-uhm

4. Origin and Usage: Opium has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians and Egyptians. However, it is also a highly addictive drug and has been the cause of many social and health problems throughout history. Today, opium is illegal in most countries and is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States.

5. Synonyms: dope, smack, heroin, morphine, codeine

6. Related Words: poppy, plant, drugs, seeds, latex

7. Example Sentences:

• Opium was widely used as a painkiller in the 19th century, leading to widespread addiction.
• The opium trade was a major factor in the colonization of Southeast Asia by European powers.
• Today, opium is mostly produced in Afghanistan, where it is a major source of income for farmers and a target of anti-drug efforts by governments and international organizations.