Definition of codeine
: a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive
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Recent Examples of codeine from the Web
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Pamphlets from the Antikamnia Chemical Company, circa 1895 show an easy cheat sheet catalog of the company’s wares, from quinine tablets to codeine and heroin tablets.
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After a 2013 warning by the FDA not to give children codeine after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy procedures, an American Academy of Pediatrics report in November 2017 found that about 5 percent of children were still being prescribed the drug.
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In the final episode of Radical Beauty, Harlem divulges his struggle with a codeine addiction, his redemption as a father, and — of course — his awe-inspiring hair.
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Just last April, the FDA required that a contraindication, its strictest warning, for prescription codeine and tramadol medicines.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics has been warning about codeine since 1997.
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In 2016, 311 people died from opioids, a category that includes everything from the codeine in some cough syrups and super-potent fentanyl to heroin and prescription oxycodone.
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Shryock later admitted to using drugs the week her daughter was hospitalized, including synthetic marijuana and marijuana, methamphetamine, and Tylenol mixed with codeine, which was prescribed, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
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Further examination the next morning revealed more than 2.5 pounds of marijuana, nine empty bottles of promethazine with codeine, a single oxycodone pill and two guns.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'codeine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of codeine
French codéine, from Greek kōdeia poppyhead
CODEINE Defined for English Language Learners
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of codeine
: a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
- Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.
- —Consumer Reports, February l983
Learn More about codeine
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See words that rhyme with codeine Spanish Central: Translation of codeine Nglish: Translation of codeine for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about codeine
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