codeine
Codeine (noun) means a mild opioid painkiller derived from opium, also used to suppress coughs and help people sleep. Example: “The doctor prescribed codeine for his back pain.”
How to use codeine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painkiller made from the opium poppy, weaker than morphine but still addictive.
Codeine is one specific opioid, not a generic word for painkillers in general.
Word forms
codeines plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor prescribed _____ for his back pain.
Etymology
From French codéine, built from Ancient Greek kōdeia, "poppy head" — the plant part codeine is extracted from.
Rhymes for codeine
See all rhymes for codeine →Frequently asked questions
What does “codeine” mean?
The word “codeine” means a mild opioid painkiller derived from opium, also used to suppress coughs and help people sleep. In plain terms, a painkiller made from the opium poppy, weaker than morphine but still addictive.
How do you pronounce “codeine”?
“Codeine” is pronounced KOH-deen (/ˈkoʊˌdiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “codeine” in a sentence?
Here is “codeine” used in a sentence: “The doctor prescribed codeine for his back pain.”
What part of speech is “codeine”?
“Codeine” is a noun.
Where does the word “codeine” come from?
The word “codeine” comes from Ancient Greek. From French codéine, built from Ancient Greek kōdeia, "poppy head" — the plant part codeine is extracted from.
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