codeine

noun
co·​deine | \ ˈkō-ˌdēn How to pronounce codeine (audio) \

Definition of codeine

: 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

By comparison, 39 overdose deaths were attributed to heroin last year and 53 to prescription opioids such as oxycodone and codeine. Taylor Kate Brown, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: Fentanyl epidemic worsens in San Francisco," 24 June 2019 The topic is timely: A couple of months earlier, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia’s FDA equivalent, ordered pharmacies to remove over-the-counter codeine products from their shelves. Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, Discover Magazine, "These Researchers Think We Can Retrain Our Brains to Tame Chronic Pain," 30 May 2019 Opioids like codeine are also notorious for causing constipation, Dr. Alan says. Korin Miller, SELF, "Rapper Bow Wow Says He ‘Almost Died’ After Developing an Addiction to Lean," 13 Sep. 2018 And whether the syrup was actually codeine was also unclear — Miami-Dade police never took the liquid to the forensics lab for testing. David Ovalle, miamiherald, "'We got bills to pay, sweetie.' Cops forced to return stripper's $19,934 in cash," 6 July 2018 The rest were a combination of the opioid painkillers hydrocodone and codeine, and methylphenidate, a stimulant commonly known as Ritalin. Aubrey Whelan, Philly.com, "Three Philly-area defendants charged in federal opioid crackdown," 28 June 2018 The autopsy also says Clark was legally drunk and had traces of marijuana, cocaine and codeine in his system when was shot, but the report said the toxicology findings are not directly relevant to the fatal shooting. Washington Post, "Autopsy by coroner sheds light on Sacramento police killing," 3 May 2018 Officers found 99 pints of codeine, worth $1,500 per pint, in the trunk, DPS said. Bayan Wang, azcentral, "Officials: $150,000 worth of codeine seized in Pima County; 2 arrested," 13 July 2018 Police obtained a warrant to search the vehicle and found paperwork from a muffler store linking it to Davis-Johnson, a bag of marijuana, two bottles of codeine, men’s jewelry and $2,957. Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Parents of UCF student sue sheriff, deputy, suspect for wrongful death in high-speed fatal crash," 25 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'codeine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of codeine

1850, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for codeine

French codéine, from Greek kōdeia poppyhead

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More Definitions for codeine

codeine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of codeine

: a drug used to reduce pain

codeine

noun
co·​deine | \ ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən How to pronounce codeine (audio) \

Medical Definition of codeine

: 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, February l983

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