noun

OxyContin

ok-sih-KAHTN

OxyContin (noun) means a brand-name, slow-release painkiller containing oxycodone, notorious for fuelling opioid addiction in the US. Example: “OxyContin became infamous in the 1990s and 2000s for its role in the opioid crisis.”

noun

A brand-name, slow-release painkiller containing oxycodone, notorious for fuelling opioid addiction in the US.

"OxyContin became infamous in the 1990s and 2000s for its role in the opioid crisis."

How to use OxyContin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe brand name for a controlled-release oxycodone painkiller, closely tied to the opioid crisis.

Easily confused with

oxycodone →

Word forms

OxyContins plural

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ became infamous in the 1990s and 2000s for its role in the opioid crisis.

Etymology

A trademarked name built from "oxycodone."

Frequently asked questions

What does “OxyContin” mean?

The word “OxyContin” means a brand-name, slow-release painkiller containing oxycodone, notorious for fuelling opioid addiction in the US. In plain terms, the brand name for a controlled-release oxycodone painkiller, closely tied to the opioid crisis.

How do you pronounce “OxyContin”?

“OxyContin” is pronounced ok-sih-KAHTN (/ˌɒksɪˈkɑ(n)tn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “OxyContin” in a sentence?

Here is “OxyContin” used in a sentence: “OxyContin became infamous in the 1990s and 2000s for its role in the opioid crisis.”

What part of speech is “OxyContin”?

“OxyContin” is a noun.