codeine

noun

co·​deine ˈkō-ˌdēn How to pronounce codeine (audio)
: a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive

Examples of codeine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many pharmacists have already stopped stocking the drug, codeine linctus, after experiencing aggression from customers thought to be struggling with addiction. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Although codeine has long been recognized as addictive, it’s been sold over-the-counter in both liquid and pill form at U.K. pharmacies for years. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The move would put marijuana in the ranks of ketamine, testosterone, and products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 31 Aug. 2023 For instance, aspirin was derived from a compound for a willow tree; morphine and codeine come from poppy plants; penicillin comes from a kind of mold; and azithromycin – commonly called Z-Pak – comes from a bacterium. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2024 Long before the 20th century, physicians understood that opium and its derivatives (such as morphine, codeine and heroin) affect the brain, dampening pain and inducing euphoria. Brandy Schillace, WSJ, 14 Nov. 2023 Investigators found fatal doses of fentanyl and fentanyl mixed with methamphetamine or cocaine or codeine. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023 The 23-year-old demanded that pharmacists place Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Xanax, Adderall, liquid codeine and Viagra into a bag. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2023 Opioid painkillers include pills such as oxycodone as well as morphine or codeine, but not methadone. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'codeine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French codéine, from Greek kōdeia poppyhead

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of codeine was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near codeine

Cite this Entry

“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

codeine

noun
co·​deine ˈkō-ˌdēn How to pronounce codeine (audio)
ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies

Medical Definition

codeine

noun
: a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.Consumer Reports

More from Merriam-Webster on codeine

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