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

Encounters in hotel rooms, apartments, cars At the one-bedroom apartment, Richards, a drug dealer, gave them cocaine and marijuana. —Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2024

The 53-year-old served a 15-year sentence in federal prison after being caught with 10 kilos of cocaine, 10 guns, and $300,000 in cash while his son was growing up, according to a Men’s Health profile. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2024

However, psychedelics — or even cocaine — aren’t always included in the powder, which the Washington Post explained is dyed pink by dealers. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Greer previously pleaded guilty to cocaine dealing in 53-year-old Michael Fromm’s January 2021 murder in a north Hammond drug house, records show. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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