Diacetylmorphine

/ˌdaɪəˌsɛtəlˈmɔːfiːn/ noun

Definition

The chemical name for heroin, made by acetylating morphine twice, which increases its potency and addictiveness.

Etymology

From 'dia-' (two) + 'acetyl' (acetyl groups) + 'morphine' (the base alkaloid), literally morphine with two acetyl groups attached.

Kelly Says

Diacetylmorphine was originally marketed by Bayer as a 'non-addictive morphine substitute'—it's a tragic example of how chemistry can create substances far more dangerous than nature intended.

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