morphine

n. the primary active ingredient in opium, first synthesized in 1806 and widely used as an analgesic and sedative. It interacts predominantly with the mu opioid receptor. Prolonged administration or abuse can lead to dependence and to withdrawal symptoms on cessation. The substance is 10 times as potent as opium for pain relief. See opioid intoxication; opioid use disorder.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

inferior function

in the analytic psychology of Carl Jung, one of the three nondominant, unconscious functions of the personality that are dominated by the superior function in a particular functional type.