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

About 6 percent of 12th graders reported using nicotine pouches in the past year, doubling from roughly 3 percent in 2023. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

According to data from the CDC, about 890,000 middle school and high school students, around 3.5%, report having used nicotine pouches, including 1.8% of kids in grades 6, 7 and 8. —7news Wjla (washington), Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024

The powder dissolves in the mouth, and nicotine is absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 14 Nov. 2024

Earlier this month, country star Zach Bryan briefly stopped a performance when an audience member threw a nicotine pouch that struck the singer’s leg. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024

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.