cocaine

American  

[koh-kayn, koh-kayn] / 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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cocaine

Maduro has denied the charges he originally faced: "narco-terrorism" conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices as well as conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 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

Colombian officials said Petro planned to focus on defending his record in deterring drug trafficking, even though cocaine production is rising in Colombia.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026

The waning of the crack cocaine epidemic in New York was clearly a factor, but then again, it had been in steady decline well before crime dipped.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

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Related Words

• coke
• crack
• dope
• poison
• stimulant

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