codeine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Medical/Technical, Formal, Everyday (in medical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “codeine” mean?
A painkilling drug derived from morphine, used to relieve mild to moderate pain and suppress coughing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A painkilling drug derived from morphine, used to relieve mild to moderate pain and suppress coughing.
A narcotic alkaloid found in opium, often used in prescription medications as an analgesic and antitussive. It is considered a controlled substance due to its potential for dependence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. Regulatory classifications and prescription naming conventions for combination products (e.g., co-codamol in the UK vs. acetaminophen/codeine in the US) may differ.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: a prescription medication with potential for abuse.
Frequency
Similar frequency in medical/health discourse. Slightly more common in UK public health warnings about over-the-counter medication misuse.
Grammar
How to Use “codeine” in a Sentence
The medicine contains [codeine].[Codeine] is prescribed for [condition].The doctor prescribed [her] [codeine] for [the pain].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “codeine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- codeine-based linctus
- codeine-related harms
American English
- codeine-containing syrup
- codeine-induced constipation
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports on production, regulation, or sales.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and public health research papers discussing pain management, opioid use disorder, or drug chemistry.
Everyday
Used when discussing personal health, prescriptions, or news stories about drug misuse.
Technical
Core term in pharmacology, pharmacy, and medicine, specifying dosages, formulations (codeine phosphate), and interactions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “codeine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “codeine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “codeine”
- Misspelling as 'codine' or 'codyne'.
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'I will codeine my pain' – incorrect).
- Pronouncing the first syllable as /kɒd/ instead of /kəʊ/ or /koʊ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In some countries, low-dose codeine is available in over-the-counter combination products (e.g., with paracetamol/acetaminophen). However, in many places, it is prescription-only due to abuse risks.
The main risks are dependence (addiction), respiratory depression (slowed breathing) at high doses, and side effects like constipation and drowsiness.
Yes, with regular use, the body can develop tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same pain-relieving effect, increasing the risk of addiction and side effects.
You should avoid alcohol, driving or operating machinery, and other sedative medications (like benzodiazepines) as they can dangerously increase drowsiness and respiratory depression.
A painkilling drug derived from morphine, used to relieve mild to moderate pain and suppress coughing.
Codeine is usually medical/technical, formal, everyday (in medical contexts) in register.
Codeine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.diːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.diːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CODE' in 'codeine' as a secret formula for pain relief that requires a doctor's 'CODE' (prescription) to access.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN RELIEF IS A KEY (codeine is a key that unlocks relief).
Practice
Quiz
What is codeine primarily classified as?