codeine

American  

[koh-deen] / ˈkoʊ din /

Also codeia

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ kō′dēn′ /

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 Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of codeine

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

Example Sentences

As the next 36 hours progressed so did the pain, and intravenous paracetamol and codeine were administered separately.

From BBC

Even though Horton hadn’t taken cough medicine, health officials say consuming poppy seed products can lead to positive results for morphine, codeine or both due to the sensitivity of the drug tests.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Cave said patient safety was the regulator's "top priority" which is why it took the decision to reclassify codeine linctus.

From BBC

Pharmacists welcomed the move, saying there was "insufficient robust evidence" for the benefits of codeine linctus for treating coughs safely.

From BBC

The off-duty officer also noted there appeared to be several bottles of “Lean” in the car, which is the street name for a liquid drink made of codeine and promethazine.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• drug
• heroin
• morphine
• opiate
• poppy