Definition of narcotic

The word "narcotic" originated from the Greek word "narkē", which means "numbness" or "stupor". In ancient Greece, the term "narkē" referred to the root of the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, which was used to induce sleep and ease pain. The word "narcotic" was later adopted into Latin as "narcoticus", and was used to describe any substance that induced a state of numbness or unconsciousness. In the 16th century, the term "narcotic" was introduced into English and was initially used to describe opium and other drugs that produced a feeling of numbness or stupor. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any drug that was used medically to produce a sedative or anesthetic effect, or illegally to produce a sense of euphoria or intoxication. Today, the term "narcotic" is still used to describe any substance that has a sedative or anesthetic effect on the body.