\O"pi*um\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? poppy juice, dim. of ?
vegetable juice.] (Chem.)
The inspissated juice of the {Papaver somniferum}, or white
poppy.

Note: Opium is obtained from incisions made in the capsules
      of the plant, and the best flows from the first
      incision. It is imported into Europe and America
      chiefly from the Levant, and large quantities are sent
      to China from India, Persia, and other countries. It is
      of a brownish yellow color, has a faint smell, and
      bitter and acrid taste. It is a stimulant narcotic
      poison, which may produce hallicinations, profound
      sleep, or death. It is much used in medicine to soothe
      pain and inflammation, and is smoked as an intoxicant
      with baneful effects.

{Opium joint}, a low resort of opium smokers. [Slang]