NARCOTIC


Meaning of NARCOTIC in English

/ nɑːˈkɒtɪk; NAmE nɑːrˈkɑː-/ noun , adjective

■ noun

1.

a powerful illegal drug that affects the mind in a harmful way. Heroin and cocaine are narcotics :

a narcotics agent (= a police officer investigating the illegal trade in drugs)

2.

( medical ) a substance that relaxes you, reduces pain or makes you sleep :

a mild narcotic

■ adjective

1.

( of a drug ) that affects your mind in a harmful way

2.

( of a substance ) making you sleep :

a mild narcotic effect

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : from Old French narcotique , via medieval Latin from Greek narkōtikos , from narkoun make numb.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.