nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈni-kə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and is used as an insecticide

Examples of nicotine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

TikTok and other social platforms amplify the problem by exposing young audiences to nicotine products and influencers. —Markus Lindblad, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

The Arlington Democrat is also looking to subject synthetic nicotine products like ZYN pouches to the same excise tax as tobacco products, which is projected to bring in $2 million in revenue, according to the Healey administration. —Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

There are also lots of people who vape nicotine who’ve never smoked – for them, vaping nicotine may be harmful. —Ailsa R Butler, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025

Travis Barker’s daughter, Alabama, is setting the record straight following reports she was recently hospitalized for nicotine withdrawal. —Charna Flam, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

Medical Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and that is used as an insecticide and is sometimes used in smoking cessation aids

Note: Trademarks for nicotine include Nicoderm, Nicorette, and Nicotrol.