narkotikos

Narkotikos, or narkotikos in Greek spelling (ναρκωτικός), is an adjective meaning narcotic or sleep-inducing. In Greek medical and pharmacological usage it describes substances that dull the senses, relieve pain, or induce stupor, including opioids and related agents. In everyday Greek, the plural noun ναρκωτικά (narkotiká) refers to narcotics and illicit drugs, with context determining whether the term emphasizes medical use or illegal substances.

Etymology and linguistic origin: The term derives from the Greek root related to narcosis, sleep or stupor, such as narkōsis. It shares its lineage with the English word narcotic through Latin and French, ultimately tracing back to ancient Greek. The Greek form narkotikos preserves the same core meaning of producing numbness or unconsciousness.

Usage and scope: In Greek, narkotika refers to narcotic substances in a broad sense, including prescription analgesics as well as illegal drugs, depending on context. In pharmacology and law, the English term narcotic historically covered opioids and similar agents, though modern usage often distinguishes opioids from other central nervous system depressants or controlled substances. When Greek texts address pharmacology, narkotiko/ναρκωτικό may denote drugs with significant narcotic effects, while ναρκωτικά generally covers the broader category of narcotics and related substances.

See also: Narcotic, Opioid, Analgesic, Narcosis, Drug policy.