laudanum Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun narcotic consisting of an alcohol solution of opium or any preparation in which opium is the main ingredient
tincture of opium.

Orig. the same wort as ladanum, ladbdanum: cf. F. laudanum, It. laudano, ladano. See Ladanum.

Tincture of opium, used for various medical purposes. ✍ A fluid ounce of American laudanum should contain the soluble matter of one tenth of an ounce avoirdupois of powdered opium with equal parts of alcohol and water. English laudanum should have ten grains less of opium in the fluid ounce. U. S. Disp.