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

Crack cocaine offenses historically had significantly harsher prison sentences than those for powder cocaine — a difference that disproportionately affected Black men. —Lexie Schapitl, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025

The defendants also trafficked drugs throughout the state and Puerto Rico beginning in 2021, when packages containing a total of 27 kilograms of cocaine came into Orlando from the island, said Deanne Reuter, a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Miami. —Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025

Miller died at 26 years old on Sept. 7, 2018, due to a deadly combination of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025

Felix Baez Munoz, 35, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

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