nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈni-kə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and is used as an insecticide

Examples of nicotine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this month, country star Zach Bryan briefly stopped a performance when an audience member threw a nicotine pouch that struck the singer’s leg. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024

This cultural rift mirrors trends in other industries that have divided along ideological lines, including cable news, social-media platforms and even nicotine pouches. —Zach Everson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

For the uninitiated, vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol mist from an electronic cigarette or other similar device, which heats up a liquid containing nicotine to create a vapor that looks like smoke. —Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024

The money will be used for wellness programs and initiatives to address nicotine addiction, among other things. —Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

Medical Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and that is used as an insecticide and is sometimes used in smoking cessation aids

Note: Trademarks for nicotine include Nicoderm, Nicorette, and Nicotrol.