cocaine
co·caine
noun \kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ\Definition of COCAINE
First Known Use of COCAINE
Rhymes with COCAINE
co·caine
noun \kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of COCAINE
cocaine
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Heterocyclic compound (CHNO), an alkaloid obtained from coca leaves. It has legal uses in medicine and dentistry as a local anesthetic but far more is used illegally, usually as the hydrochloride. When sniffed in small amounts, cocaine produces feelings of well-being and euphoria, decreased appetite, relief from fatigue, and increased mental alertness. Larger amounts or prolonged use can damage the heart and nasal structures and cause seizures. In altered, more potent, cheaper forms (freebase, crack), cocaine is injected or smoked and is extremely addictive (see drug addiction) and detrimental to health. Prolonged or compulsive use of any form of purified cocaine can cause severe personality disturbances, inability to sleep, appetite loss, and paranoid psychosis.
Learn More About COCAINE
Browse
Previous Word in the Dictionary: coca
All Words Near: cocaine
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up cocaine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 








