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

She is now restricted to a diet of electrolyte fluids and a daily cocktail of 50 to 60 tablets, including codeine, Imodium and hormone replacement therapy, per the outlet. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025

Naloxone can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose from heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and other opioids. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025

And opioid-addiction treatments do have a history of abuse: Heroin, for example, was once considered an effective treatment for codeine and morphine addiction. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

For those of you who don’t know, the Scissor Sisters are the world’s greatest disco glam band, something akin to Abba on acid or Culture Club on codeine. —Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025

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