cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need

Examples of cocaine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The same day, Marcus also pleaded not guilty to his felony charge for cocaine possession, as well as a first-degree misdemeanor charge for resisting an officer without violence, per court records. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

During a second search, an officer can be seen on video pulling a baggie from Jordan’s pants with a white powder that, according to an arrest affidavit, tested presumptive positive for cocaine. —Cristobal Reyes, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Two men were arrested after police executed a search warrant in Bridgeport and reportedly found fentanyl and crack cocaine. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025

Field tests later confirmed that the substance was cocaine. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cocaine

• crack cocaine

Kids Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

ˈkō-ˌkān

: a bitter habit-forming drug obtained from coca leaves and used in medicine to deaden pain and illegally for its euphoric effects

Medical Definition

cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ 

: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₂₁NO₄ obtained from coca leaves that is used medically especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₁NO₄·HCl as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need