/ 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.