Definition of HEROIN

heroin

Meanings

Plural: heroins

Noun

  • a narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
  • A powerful and addictive drug derived from opium producing intense euphoria, classed as an illegal narcotic in most of the world.
  • Obsolete form of heroine.

Origin / Etymology

Since the 1890s, from German Heroin, originally a trademark, from Ancient Greek ἥρως (hḗrōs, “hero”) and the suffix -in (“-ine”). Said to have been called thus to evoke quick and sweeping effect as a painkiller and cough suppressant (its original uses). Alternatively explained as a reference to the heroic school of medicine.

Synonyms

Big H, boy, brown, brown sugar, bujj, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine, dog food, dope, H, heroin, horse, junk, muck, mud, ron, Ron, scag, shit, skag, smack, spider, sugar, train, white lady, whiteboy, yam yam

Scrabble Score: 9

heroin is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
heroin is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
heroin is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

heroin is a valid Words With Friends word