codeine

noun

co·deine | \ ˈkō-ˌdēn

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

Examples of codeine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The shipments contained at least 142 oxycodone tablets, 70 alprazolam tablets, 140 lorazepam tablets, 56 diazepam tablets and 56 Tylenol with codeine tablets. — Taylor Pettaway, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Nov. 2021 There are also dozens of other combination products containing codeine, such as Robitussin. — Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 17 Nov. 2021 The album takes its title from Higgins’ own struggles with mental health and addiction; the rapper died Dec. 8, 2019 following an accidental overdose caused by oxycodone and codeine toxicity. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2021 Opioids include prescription medications like oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine, and codeine, as well as fentanyl and tramadol, which are synthetic opioid pain relievers, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. — Sara Lindberg, SELF, 1 Nov. 2021 In 1970, the government classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug while other narcotics like fentanyl, cocaine, codeine, and Xanax were classified as drugs with higher medical value. — David Cannady, sun-sentinel.com, 23 Sep. 2021 Abraham-Joseph is accused of throwing out a bottle containing liquid that later tested positive for codeine, and a handgun was found inside the car, warrants allege. — Shaddi Abusaid, ajc, 25 Sep. 2021 According to the warrant, a bottle thrown out of the vehicle 21 Savage was traveling in at the time of the arrest later tested positive for codeine. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2021 It should be treated as an opiate, such as codeine, and be made available only by prescription. — WSJ, 31 Aug. 2021

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.

Learn More About codeine

Dictionary Entries Near codeine

codehydrogenase II

codeine

coden

Statistics for codeine

Last Updated

29 Nov 2021

Cite this Entry

“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 1 Dec. 2021.

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More Definitions for codeine

codeine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of codeine

: a drug used to reduce pain

See the full definition for codeine in the English Language Learners 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