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

Marijuana is also celebrated, while a long history of amphetamine and cocaine use is alternately winked at or swept under the rug, the necessary evils of a grueling career. —Jeff Gage, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2024

Bricks of cocaine tucked away in a lamp fixture is the latest twist in the perplexing investigation into the carjacking and murder of a Homestead woman in Central Florida. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024

Romero-Soto faces a cocaine trafficking charge in Osceola County. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024

Documents from the district attorney’s office stated that cocaine, fentanyl and psilocybin were also found during the search. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024

Some other drugs, like methamphetamine and cocaine, also are contaminated, which has contributed to the sharp rise in overdoses. —Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2024

In November 2021, Emma Coronel Aispuro was sentenced to 36 months in prison after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiring to distribute cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana for import into the United States. —ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024

That month, at a court hearing, Anderson’s probation agent reported Anderson was testing positive for cocaine, THC and alcohol. —Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024

The causes for the spike are complex but largely revolve around cocaine. —Regina Garcia Cano and Gabriela Molina, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 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 to stimulate the central nervous system

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