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.

---

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

---

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 .

---

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.

---

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

See Examples For:

cocaine

Abelardo de la Espriella promises more prisons and a crackdown after cocaine production and the ranks of armed groups expanded across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 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

Seizures of fentanyl at the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen in recent years, while seizures of cocaine have risen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 8, 2026

In fact, scientists who study both the brains of new lovers and cocaine addicts are hard-pressed to tell the difference.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• coke
• crack
• dope
• poison
• stimulant