HealthJune 14, 2026
opioid
/ˈoʊ.pi.ɔɪd/
Definition
A class of powerful drugs, including prescription painkillers and illicit substances like fentanyl, that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain but carry high risks of addiction and overdose.
Etymology
The term is derived from 'opium' plus the suffix '-oid,' meaning 'resembling' or 'like.' It was coined to describe synthetic or natural substances that produce effects similar to those of opium.
In the news
In this article, the term refers to the substances fueling a national public health crisis, specifically highlighting federal policy efforts to expand treatment access and regulate the supply of these drugs.
Tracking Key Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Actions Under the Trump Administration
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