nicotine

[nik-uh-teen, -tin, nik-uh-teen]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, oily, water-soluble, highly toxic, liquid alkaloid, C 1 0 H 1 4 N 2 , found in tobacco and valued as an insecticide.

nicotine

/ ˈnɪkəˌtiːn, ˌnɪkəˈtɪnɪk /

noun

1. a colourless oily acrid toxic liquid that turns yellowish-brown in air and light: the principal alkaloid in tobacco, used as an agricultural insecticide. Formula: C 10 H 14 N 2

nicotine

1. A colorless, poisonous compound occurring naturally in the tobacco plant. It is used in medicine and as an insecticide, and it is the substance in tobacco products to which smokers can become addicted. Nicotine is an alkaloid. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₁₄ N ₂ .

nicotine

1. A poisonous chemical substance found in the tobacco plant.

Other Word Forms

• nicotined adjective
• nicotinic adjective
• nicotineless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicotine¹

From French, dating back to 1810–20; nicotiana, -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicotine¹

C19: from French, from New Latin herba nicotiana Nicot's plant, named after J. Nicot (1530–1600), French diplomat who introduced tobacco into France

Example Sentences

But can someone really be addicted to food in the same way they could be hooked on substances such as alcohol or nicotine?

Read more on Salon

A regular sleep schedule, a dark and cool bedroom, and avoiding caffeine or nicotine close to bedtime all increase the likelihood of getting a good night’s sleep.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Among veterans alcoholism increased, many became hooked on nicotine.

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Vaping and nicotine pouches have surged to make up nearly 70% of the company's UK revenue in the last five years.

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"In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco-control policies," he added.

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