nicotinic

American

[nik-uh-tin-ik, -tee-nik] / ˌnɪk əˈtɪn ɪk, -ˈti nɪk /

adjective

of, relating to, or containing nicotine.
related to or imitating the action of nicotine on neurons, especially in blocking the cholinergic receptors of the autonomic ganglia.

Other Word Forms

nonnicotinic adjective

Etymology

Origin of nicotinic

First recorded in 1870–75; nicotine + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This powerful chemical compound acts on nicotinic receptors in the nervous system, according to Johnson.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

“If you’re right here at the top of the curve, functioning at a high level, if I flog your nicotinic receptors, you’re actually going to have a decline in performance,” he adds.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2025

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is vital for their metabolism.

From Reuters • Mar. 21, 2023

That missing vitamin was nicotinic acid, later known as niacin, and it helps us evade pellagra.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2022

Later, when working with Drummond, Funk was forced to admit that his crystalline complex was not the pure substance, as analysis showed that it contained large amounts of nicotinic acid.

From The Vitamine Manual by Eddy, Walter H.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023