n. An addictive alkaloid narcotic derived from opium and used as a hypnotic, analgesic and cough suppressant; often mixed with aspirin etc.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. One of the opium alkaloids; a white crystalline substance, C18H21NO3, similar to and regarded as a derivative of morphine, but much feebler in its action; -- called also codeia.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A white crystalline alkaloid (C18H21NO3 + H2O) contained in opium to the extent of 0.1 to 0.8 per cent. It is used as a hypnotic and to quiet coughs and pain. Also written codein, codeina, and codeia.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. derivative of opium; used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relieve pain)
Word Usage
"With heroin supplies running extremely low thanks to the efforts to quash exports out of Afghanistan, Russian chemists have developed the new drug made from household items like codeine, which is available over the counter in Russia."