codeine

Also co·de·ia

[koh-deen]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, slightly bitter alkaloid, C 18 H 21 NO 3 , obtained from opium, used in medicine chiefly as an analgesic or sedative and to inhibit coughing.

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

codeine

1. An alkaloid narcotic derived from opium or morphine and used primarily as an analgesic and a cough suppressant. Chemical formula: C ₁₈ H ₂₁ NO ₃ .

codeine

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of codeine¹

1830–40; < Greek kṓde ( ia ) head, poppy-head + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of codeine¹

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

Example Sentences

In fact, her Jewish lover was lying in the base of a heavy mahogany sofa bed that was locked from the inside; he had codeine to suppress his persistent cough.

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She cautions that you should avoid "anything containing codeine" as it can make some headaches occur more frequently and can worsen symptoms like nausea.

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At one point, we learn, Osbourne drank four bottles of cognac a day; at other times he made do with a bottle of vodka chased by enough codeine to drop a water buffalo.

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In the past, there's also been abuse of cough syrups containing codeine, a mild opioid that can produce euphoria in high doses and lead to dependence, and is not advised for young children.

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He said he lacked access to any drug stronger than codeine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drug 
• heroin 
• morphine 
• opiate 
• poppy