noun
codeine
KOH-deen
noun
1
A mild opioid painkiller derived from opium, also used to suppress coughs and help people sleep.
"The doctor prescribed codeine for his back pain."
"Some cough syrups contain a small amount of codeine."
How to Use Codeine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painkiller made from the opium poppy, weaker than morphine but still addictive.
Common mistake
Codeine is one specific opioid, not a generic word for painkillers in general.
Common pairings
codeine-based painkiller
a codeine prescription
addicted to codeine
Word Forms
codeines plural
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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.