opium

n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_; poppy juice, dim. of &unr_; vegetable juice. ] (Chem.) The inspissated juice of the Papaver somniferum, or white poppy. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Opium is obtained from incisions made in the capsules of the plant, and the best flows from the first incision. It is imported into Europe and America chiefly from the Levant, and large quantities are sent to China from India, Persia, and other countries. It is of a brownish yellow color, has a faint smell, and bitter and acrid taste. It is a stimulant narcotic poison, which may produce hallicinations, profound sleep, or death. It is much used in medicine to soothe pain and inflammation, and is smoked as an intoxicant with baneful effects. [ 1913 Webster ]

Opium joint, a low resort of opium smokers. [ Slang ] [ 1913 Webster ]