cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need

Examples of cocaine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The toll of crack cocaine The crack cocaine epidemic that hit Fort Worth — and the rest of the country — in the ‘80s took its toll at Butler Place. Gangs such as the Crips rose in the housing complex, and drug abuse was visible to anyone walking through it. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024

Brynn, who had struggled with alcohol and cocaine abuse in the past, had recently begun drinking again after nearly a decade of sobriety. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

Her best friend passed away from heart problems after long-term cocaine use. —Jessica Gallagher, New York Times, 23 May 2024

Deaths from cocaine – an addictive stimulant drug made from coca plant leaves – have also increased, the institute said, with about 27,500 deaths reported in 2022. —Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cocaine

• crack cocaine

Kids Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter habit-forming drug obtained from coca leaves and used in medicine to deaden pain and illegally for its euphoric effects

Medical Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ 

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used medically especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₁NO₄·HCl as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need