opioid /ˈəʊpiɔɪd/ noun3 •A substance that has effects similar to opium. •Any of the natural substances, such as an endorphin, released in the body in response to pain; an endogenous opioid. •Any of a group of synthetic compounds that exhibit similarities to the opium alkaloids that occur in nature.The number of young children in the US who have died from opioid overdoses has increased significantly, according to a new study on accidental poisonings of children 5 and younger. — 2023 formsopioids