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.

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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

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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 .

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codeine Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of codeine

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drug
• heroin
• morphine
• opiate
• poppy