cocaine

American  

[koh-keyn, koh-keyn] / koʊˈkeɪn, ˈkoʊ keɪn /

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.

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cocaine British  

/ 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

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cocaine Scientific  

/ kō-kān′ /

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 .

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cocaine Cultural  

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.

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of cocaine

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

Example Sentences

Much of the world still thinks of Latin American organized crime in terms of cut-throat cocaine cartels and cavalier capos like Pablo Escobar.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

He is a defense attorney who became rich representing underworld figures, including right-wing paramilitary commanders who trafficked cocaine to U.S. cities and Alex Saab, the alleged money launderer for former Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that GLP-1 medications were associated with lower risks of developing substance use disorders involving alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and other substances.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

US President Donald Trump has made the fight against criminal gangs sending illicit drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines and cocaine one of his priorities.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Jimmie Reeves and Richard Campbell show in their research how the media imagery surrounding cocaine changed as the practice of smoking cocaine came to be associated with poor blacks.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• coke
• crack
• dope
• poison
• stimulant