: a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive
Examples of codeine in a Sentence
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Eventually, Horton found out that her urine came back positive for codeine — an opioid pain reliever typically used in cough medicine.
—
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
Here are some examples of Schedule III drugs: Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine)
ketamine
anabolic steroids
testosterone
Is marijuana legal in Tennessee?
—Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 1 May 2024
Participants who’d been issued at least two acetaminophen prescriptions within six months – and not in combination with other analgesics like codeine – were defined as exposed to acetaminophen.
—New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024
In 2022, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of how marijuana is classified; and last year HHS recommended it be rescheduled to Schedule III, alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
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Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
Here are some examples of Schedule III drugs: Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine)
ketamine
anabolic steroids
testosterone
Is marijuana legal in Tennessee?
—Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 1 May 2024
Participants who’d been issued at least two acetaminophen prescriptions within six months – and not in combination with other analgesics like codeine – were defined as exposed to acetaminophen.
—New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024
In 2022, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of how marijuana is classified; and last year HHS recommended it be rescheduled to Schedule III, alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for codeine
Dictionary Entries Near codeine
Cite this Entry
“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn 
ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies
Medical Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.—Consumer Reports
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