nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈni-kə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: a poisonous alkaloid C10H14N2 that is the chief active principle of tobacco and is used as an insecticide

Examples of nicotine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Court records state that when the inmate was later searched, jail staff discovered Suboxone concealed inside a nicotine pouch container. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 Zyn nicotine pouches are flying off shelves Some companies are seeing explosive sales of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 Unlike caffeine, nicotine increases beta-endorphins and helps relieve anxiety. Jeffrey A. Singer, National Review, 1 Feb. 2024 Now, new products, like oral nicotine pouches, are recreating the phenomenon and opening yet another front in the fight to prevent youth from beginning a lifetime of addiction and illness. Kerry Watson, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024 Menthol also can enhance the effects of nicotine on the brain, making cigarettes easier to become addicted to and harder to quit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 19 Jan. 2024 One successful way to do that is by recognizing that many smokers are addicted to nicotine. Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 5 Feb. 2024 Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and opioids also all activate important signaling pathways that are central regulators of metabolism. Karla Kaun, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 Technological advances: The introduction of nicotine replacement therapies and digital tools for cessation support played a key role in helping smokers overcome addiction. Royce Branning, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nicotine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nicotine was in 1817

Cite this Entry

“Nicotine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nicotine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nicotine

noun
nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

Medical Definition

nicotine

noun
nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: a poisonous alkaloid C10H14N2 that is the chief active principle of tobacco and that is used as an insecticide and is sometimes used in smoking cessation aids

Note: Trademarks for nicotine include Nicoderm, Nicorette, and Nicotrol.

More from Merriam-Webster on nicotine

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