1. a drug derived from or chemically similar to opium that relieves pain and can be addictive
Usage: medical

1. relating to or resembling opium in its effects
Usage: medical

Examples

• The doctor prescribed an opioid for her severe back pain.
• Opioid addiction has become a major public health crisis.
• Many hospitals are reducing their use of opioid medications.
• The patient was given opioid painkillers after surgery.
• Researchers are studying opioid receptors in the brain.
• The opioid crisis affects communities across the country.