WANI Dictionary

Opiate

Opiates are substances obtained from Papaver somniferum that negatively affect brain function. Their derivatives are often included in the definition.

Typical opiates include morphine and its derivative heroin.

Definitions in the literature

• One of a group of drugs derived from opium, an extract of the poppy plant Papaver somniferum that depresses brain function (a narcotic action). Opiates include morphine and its synthetic derivatives, such as heroin and codeine [1].