cocaine

[ koh-keyn, koh-keyn ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C 17 H 21 NO 4 , obtained from coca leaves, used as a local anesthetic and also widely used as an illicit drug for its stimulant and euphorigenic properties.

cocaine

/ kəˈkeɪn /

noun

1. an addictive narcotic drug derived from coca leaves or synthesized, used medicinally as a topical anaesthetic. Formula: C 17 H 21 NO 4

cocaine

/ kō-kān′ /

1. A colorless or white crystalline alkaloid extracted from coca leaves. Cocaine is sometimes used in medicine as a local anesthetic, especially for the eyes, nose, or throat. It is also widely used as an illicit drug for its euphoric and stimulating effects. Chemical formula: C 17 H 21 NO 4 .

cocaine

1. A drug derived from the leaves of a shrub in South America that has an intoxicating effect on the body and can result in dependency if frequently used. Cocaine is used medically as a local anesthetic .

Notes

Cocaine use constitutes a major drug problem in the United States.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocaine¹

First recorded in 1870–75; coca + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocaine¹

C19: from coca + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

He was also recently identified in court documents and investigated by federal prosecutors for having allegedly attended a “sex party” that involved cocaine, ecstasy, and a nude 17-year-old.

From Slate

Consider cocaine, which retailed on Hydra for nearly $100 a gram, versus mephedrone, costing a measly 13 bucks.

From Salon

Babitz, by Anolik’s estimation, had one great book in her: “Slow Days, Fast Company,” a collection of stories that touch on her romantic relationships with Ruscha’s brother, Paul, and Rolling Stone’s Lewis, as well as “the politesse of threesomes, sleeping on the roof of the patio of the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel and what to wear when taking cocaine on acid,” among other things.

From Los Angeles Times

In some countries there is even a risk they turn to illicit activities such as growing coca – the plant cocaine derives from – which has similar deforestation issues.

From BBC

“We spent the night, we did drugs together and something intimate happened,” Paiz said, noting that while he stuck to weed, Payne was allegedly doing cocaine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coke
• crack
• dope
• poison
• stimulant