cocaine

[koh-keyn, koh-keyn]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C 17 H 21 NO 4 , obtained from coca leaves, used as a local anesthetic and also widely used as an illicit drug for its stimulant and euphorigenic properties.

cocaine

/ kəˈkeɪn /

noun

1. an addictive narcotic drug derived from coca leaves or synthesized, used medicinally as a topical anaesthetic. Formula: C 17 H 21 NO 4

cocaine

1. A colorless or white crystalline alkaloid extracted from coca leaves. Cocaine is sometimes used in medicine as a local anesthetic, especially for the eyes, nose, or throat. It is also widely used as an illicit drug for its euphoric and stimulating effects. Chemical formula: C ₁₇ H ₂₁ NO ₄ .

cocaine

1. A drug derived from the leaves of a shrub in South America that has an intoxicating effect on the body and can result in dependency if frequently used. Cocaine is used medically as a local anesthetic.

Cocaine use constitutes a major drug problem in the United States.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocaine¹

First recorded in 1870–75; coca + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocaine¹

C19: from _coca + _-ine ¹

Example Sentences

Venezuela hardly grows any coca, the leaf from which cocaine is made, and has few laboratories.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

County adults between the ages of 19 and 39 died with kratom and 7-OH in their bodies, along with other substances including alcohol, prescription sedatives and muscle relaxers, and cocaine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hodgson previously struggled with cocaine and alcohol abuse, his family said, according to the documents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Under the plans, a new levy will be charged on betting companies - while the government will trial ways to reduce cocaine and alcohol-related deaths, including workplace pilots to bring health checks into male-dominated industries.

Read more on BBC

Mathieu Verboud said that the growth in world production of cocaine had triggered an "explosion of supply and demand. The market has gone through the roof and so have the profits."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• coke 
• crack 
• dope 
• poison 
• stimulant