n.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' pa-v ə - ˌ r ē n; - ' pav-r ə n, - ' pa-v ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin papaver poppy
Date: 1857
: a crystalline alkaloid C 20 H 21 NO 4 found in opium or made synthetically that is used usually in the form of its hydrochloride chiefly as an antispasmodic for its ability to relax smooth muscle