noun

laudanum

LAW-duh-nuhm

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Laudanum (noun) means a tincture of opium once widely used as a painkiller, sedative, and recreational drug. Example: “Victorian doctors routinely prescribed laudanum for everything from toothache to insomnia.”

noun

A tincture of opium once widely used as a painkiller, sedative, and recreational drug.

"Laudanum, a derivative of opium, was the name given to a secret remedy concocted by the occultist Paracelsus, in the sixteenth century." — Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs (1961)

"Victorian doctors routinely prescribed laudanum for everything from toothache to insomnia."

"The novel's heroine becomes quietly addicted to laudanum after years of chronic pain."

How to use laudanum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned opium-based medicine, mostly known today from period novels and history books.

Common mistake

It is not a modern medicine — laudanum was banned or tightly restricted in most countries by the early 20th century.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: laudanums
Third person singular: laudanums
Past tense: laudanumed

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Victorian doctors routinely prescribed _____ for everything from toothache to insomnia.

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."

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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tincture of opium

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.".