Definition of opiate

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o·pi·ate    (p-t, -t) KEY  

NOUN:

1. Any of various sedative narcotics containing opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives.
2. A drug, hormone, or other chemical substance having sedative or narcotic effects similar to those containing opium or its derivatives: a natural brain opiate. Also called opioid .
3. Something that dulls the senses and induces relaxation or torpor.

ADJECTIVE:

1. 1. Containing opium or any of its derivatives.
   2. Resembling opium or its derivatives in activity.
2. Inducing sleep or sedation; soporific.
3. Causing dullness or apathy; deadening.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
o·pi·at·ed , o·pi·at·ing , o·pi·ates (-t)

1. To subject to the action of an opiate.
2. To dull or deaden as if with a narcotic drug.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Medieval Latin opitum, from Latin opium, opium ; see opium

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