# codeine

/kˈəʊdaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/codeine
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a type of medicine used to treat pain and coughs. It is a mild opioid that can make you feel sleepy or drowsy.

For teachers: an opioid analgesic and antitussive drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain and suppress coughing. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy.

## Examples

- The doctor prescribed codeine to help with my toothache.
- Patients taking codeine for chronic pain must be monitored closely for signs of dependency or respiratory depression.
- While effective for acute pain management, the use of codeine is often restricted due to its potential for abuse and the risk of developing a physical dependence over time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.