opiate

Definition / meaning of opiate

A substance used to treat pain or cause sleep. Opiates are made from opium or have opium in them. Opiates bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Examples of opiates are codeine, heroin, and morphine. An opiate is a type of analgesic agent.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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