codeine

[koh-deen] /ˈkoʊ din/

noun, Pharmacology

a white, crystalline, slightly bitter alkaloid, C ₁₈ H ₂₁ NO ₃ , obtained from opium, used in medicine chiefly as an analgesic or sedative and to inhibit coughing.

Also, codeia

[koh-dee-uh] /koʊˈdi ə/ (Show IPA), codeina

[koh-dee-ee-nuh] /ˌkoʊ diˈi nə/ (Show IPA).

Origin

1830-40; < Greek kṓde(ia) head, poppy-head + -ine²

Examples from the web for codeine

They began licensing poppy cultivation for the purpose of producing morphine, codeine, and other legal opiates.
For millennia, humans have used the codeine and morphine of the poppy plant as painkillers-or recreational drugs.
For severe pain, codeine or another stronger pain reliever may be prescribed.
Some children, however, may need codeine or other powerful pain relievers.
Older children may be able to take prescription pain relievers that contain codeine if the pain is severe.
Opioids refer to synthetically produced substances that have the same effect as morphine or codeine.
Opiates, such as morphine and codeine, are derived from natural opium.
Numerous codeine salts have been prepared since the drug was discovered.

British Dictionary definitions for codeine

codeine

/ˈkəʊdiːn/

noun

a white crystalline alkaloid prepared mainly from morphine and having a similar but milder action. It is used as an analgesic, an antidiarrhoeal, and to relieve coughing. Formula: C18H21NO3

Word Origin

C19: from Greek kōdeia head of a poppy, from kōos hollow place + -ine²

Word Origin and History for codeine

alkaloid present in opium, 1838, from French codéine, coined, with chemical suffix -ine (2), from Greek kodeia "poppy head," related to kooz "prison," literally "hollow place;" kodon "bell, mouth of a trumpet;" koilos "hollow," from PIE root *kel- (see cell). Originally codeina; modern form is from 1881.

codeine in Medicine

codeine co·deine (kō'dēn', -dē-ĭn)
n.
An alkaloid narcotic derived from opium or morphine and used as a cough suppressant, analgesic, and hypnotic. Also called methylmorphine.

codeine in Science

codeine

(kō'dēn')
An alkaloid narcotic derived from opium or morphine and used primarily as an analgesic and a cough suppressant. Chemical formula: C₁₈H₂₁NO₃.

codeine in Culture

codeine [(koh-deen)]

A drug obtained from opium or morphine that is used as a pain reliever and cough remedy.