caffeine

[ ka-feen, kaf-een, kaf-ee-in ]

noun

1. Chemistry, Pharmacology. a white, crystalline, bitter alkaloid, C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 , usually derived from coffee or tea: used in medicine chiefly as a nervous system stimulant.
2. Informal. a drink, usually coffee or tea, containing this stimulant:

   We sipped our caffeine on the balcony with its views of sea stacks, rocky coves, and the ever-changing ocean.

caffeine

/ ˈkæfiːn; ˈkæfɪˌiːn /

noun

1. a white crystalline bitter alkaloid responsible for the stimulant action of tea, coffee, and cocoa: a constituent of many tonics and analgesics. Formula: C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 See also xanthine

caffeine

/ kă-fēn′ /

1. A bitter white alkaloid found in tea leaves, coffee beans, and various other plant parts. It is a mild stimulant. Caffeine is a xanthine and similar in structure to theobromine and theophylline. Chemical formula: C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 .

Other Words From

• caf·fein·ic [ka-, fee, -nik, kaf-ee-, in, -ik], adjective
• non·caf·feine noun
• non·caf·fein·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caffeine¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French caféine, equivalent to café coffee + -ine -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of caffeine¹

C19: from German Kaffein, from Kaffee coffee

Example Sentences

Atomo’s caffeine is sourced from green tea decaffeination, though synthetically-made caffeine is also used to provide beanless coffee’s kick.

From BBC

However, the newcomers intend to replicate one of the world’s most popular beverages from taste, to caffeine punch, to drinking experience – and the first of this nascent industry’s beanless concoctions have begun to appear.

From BBC

Atomo’s ingredients aren’t particularly high tech: date seeds, ramón seeds, sunflower seed extract, fructose, pea protein, millet, lemon, guava, fenugreek seeds, caffeine and baking soda.

From BBC

Caffeine is a phytonutrient we know well.

From Salon

Aside from increasing alertness, caffeine has also demonstrated antioxidant effects and some protection against a range of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases.

From Salon

Related Words

• cappuccino
• espresso