codeine

[ koh-deen ]
See synonyms for codeine on Thesaurus.com
nounPharmacology.
  1. a white, crystalline, slightly bitter alkaloid, C18H21NO3, obtained from opium, used in medicine chiefly as an analgesic or sedative and to inhibit coughing.

Origin of codeine

1
1830–40; <Greek kṓde(ia) head, poppy-head + -ine2
  • Also co·de·ia [koh-dee-uh], /koʊˈdi ə/, co·de·i·na [koh-dee-ee-nuh]. /ˌkoʊ diˈi nə/.

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British Dictionary definitions for codeine

codeine

/ (ˈkəʊdiːn) /


noun
  1. a white crystalline alkaloid prepared mainly from morphine and having a similar but milder action. It is used as an analgesic, an antidiarrhoeal, and to relieve coughing. Formula: C 18 H 21 NO 3

Origin of codeine

1
C19: from Greek kōdeia head of a poppy, from kōos hollow place + -ine ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for codeine

codeine

[ dēn′ ]


  1. An alkaloid narcotic derived from opium or morphine and used primarily as an analgesic and a cough suppressant. Chemical formula: C18H21NO3.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for codeine

codeine

[ (koh-deen) ]


A drug obtained from opium or morphine that is used as a pain reliever and cough remedy.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.