Laudanum

Origin

Coined by Paracelsus for a tincture he made containing opium, from New Latin, from Latin laudare ("to praise"), or ladanum ("a gum resin"), from Ancient Greek λάδανον (ladanon). Originally the same word as ladanum, ladbdanum, compare French laudanum, Italian laudano, ladano. See ladanum.

Full definition of laudanum

Noun

1. A tincture of opium, once widely used for various medical purposes and as a recreational drug.

Derived terms

• Dutchman's laudanum

Verb

1. (transitive) To add laudanum to (a drink or the like).
2. (rare) To cause (a person) to be high on laudanum.