codeine

noun co·deine \ ˈkō-ˌdēn \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

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

The autopsy also says Clark was legally drunk and had traces of marijuana, cocaine and codeine in his system when was shot, but the report said the toxicology findings are not directly relevant to the fatal shooting.

— Washington Post, "Autopsy by coroner sheds light on Sacramento police killing," 3 May 2018
Officers found 99 pints of codeine, worth $1,500 per pint, in the trunk, DPS said.

— bayan wang, azcentral, "Officials: $150,000 worth of codeine seized in Pima County; 2 arrested," 13 July 2018
Police obtained a warrant to search the vehicle and found paperwork from a muffler store linking it to Davis-Johnson, a bag of marijuana, two bottles of codeine, men’s jewelry and $2,957.

— stephen hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Parents of UCF student sue sheriff, deputy, suspect for wrongful death in high-speed fatal crash," 25 June 2018
These painkillers included OxyContin, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Percocet and codeine.

— karen kaplan, Anchorage Daily News, "U.S. teens taking fewer risks with health, though drinking and unsafe sex still common," 14 June 2018
These painkillers included OxyContin, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Percocet and codeine.

— karen kaplan, latimes.com, "U.S. teens are taking fewer risks with their health, though drinking and unsafe sex are still common," 14 June 2018
Promethazine and some acetaminophen with codeine were targeted by thieves.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Burglary reported at Swan Pharmacy in Tosa," 9 May 2018
The results from NMS Labs show Clark tested positive for ethanol (0.09 percent), cannabinoids, codeine, alprazolam, etizolam, nicotine, hydrocodone and promethazine in his blood.

— CBS News, "Coroner releases Stephon Clark autopsy, but it differs from private one commissioned by family," 1 May 2018
The county’s autopsy also said Clark was legally drunk and had traces of marijuana, cocaine and codeine in his system when he was shot, but the report said the toxicology findings are not directly relevant to the fatal shooting.

— Fox News, "Independent autopsy of Stephon Clark was 'erroneous,' coroner says," 2 May 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1850

in the meaning defined above

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CODEINE Defined for English Language Learners

codeine

noun

Definition of codeine for English Language Learners

: a drug used to reduce pain

Medical Dictionary

codeine

noun co·deine \ ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən \

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