codeine

noun

co·​deine ˈkō-ˌdēn 

: 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

Examples of codeine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the operation, agents reportedly seized 14 firearms, over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, marijuana, hash and over $47,000 in cash. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025

Morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl are all opioids. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Texas State University has launched a no-cost Narcan distribution program for students, faculty and staff to access the naloxone nasal spray — a life-saving medication that can quickly counter overdose effects from opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl and oxycodone. —Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Marijuana being classified as a Schedule III drug means it would be classified alongside drugs including ketamine, testosterone, anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine, USA TODAY reports. —Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French codéine, from Greek kṓdeia "seed capsule of a poppy plant" (probably of pre-Greek substratal origin) + -ine -ine;2

Note: The name was introduced by the French chemist Pierre Jean Robiquet (1780-1840) in "Nouvelles Observations sur les principaux Produits de l'Opium," Annales de chemie et de physique, tome 51 (1832), p. 264.

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

codeine

noun

co·​deine ˈkō-ˌdēn 

ˈkōd-ē-ən

: a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies

Medical Definition

codeine

noun

co·​deine ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən 

: 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