cocaine

noun

: 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
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Federal agents seized 61 guns, quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, $98,000 in cash and 166 fighting dogs during the operation, according to the FBI. Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The driver of the vehicle was arrested following the seizure of the stash of 369 kilograms (813 pounds) of cocaine on Wednesday, police said, but provided no explanation for the stickers with the image of the golden-haired Norwegian striker. CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Now, police in Ecuador have found it in an unexpected place - printed on green rectangular packages that made up a stunning cocaine shipment seized in a truck near the Colombian border. CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 The South American nation is the world’s largest producer of cocaine. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocaine

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocaine was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

cocaine

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

Medical Definition

: 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

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