cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need

Examples of cocaine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drugs included marijuana and crack cocaine laced with fentanyl. MORE: Why opioid overdose prevention programs work as NYC leads nation with 1st center Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 May 2024

Lines of cocaine were laid across tables and bathroom counters for the taking. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cocaine

• crack cocaine

Kids Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter habit-forming drug obtained from coca leaves and used in medicine to deaden pain and illegally for its euphoric effects

Medical Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ 

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used medically especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₁NO₄·HCl as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need