laudanum
1 synonym for laudanum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tincture of opium once widely used as a painkiller, sedative, and recreational drug.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
tincture of opium
Etymology
From New Latin laudanum, ultimately from the Greek word for a fragrant resin; the spelling may also have been shaped by Latin laudo, "I praise."
Full origin of laudanum →Frequently asked questions
What does “laudanum” mean?
The word “laudanum” means a tincture of opium once widely used as a painkiller, sedative, and recreational drug. In plain terms, an old-fashioned opium-based medicine, mostly known today from period novels and history books.
How do you pronounce “laudanum”?
“Laudanum” is pronounced LAW-duh-nuhm (/ˈlɔːdənəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “laudanum” in a sentence?
Here is “laudanum” used in a sentence: “Victorian doctors routinely prescribed laudanum for everything from toothache to insomnia.”
What part of speech is “laudanum”?
“Laudanum” is a noun.
Where does the word “laudanum” come from?
The word “laudanum” comes from New Latin. From New Latin laudanum, ultimately from the Greek word for a fragrant resin; the spelling may also have been shaped by Latin laudo, "I praise.".
