ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nicotine

n.
US //ˈnɪkəˌtin// UK //nˈɪkətˌiːn// nico·tine
  1. 1 the chemical substance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the addictive chemical found in tobacco plants and cigarettes.

    a nitrogenous organic compound found in tobacco that acts as a potent stimulant and is highly addictive. Uncountable in its general sense.

    Example

    Many people find it hard to quit smoking because their bodies are used to the nicotine.

    Example

    Research indicates that nicotine reaches the brain within seconds of inhalation, triggering a release of dopamine that reinforces the smoking habit.

  2. 2 tobacco products (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a way to refer to cigarettes or tobacco in general.

    a metonymic reference to tobacco or cigarettes themselves. Used figuratively to describe the habit or the product.

    Example

    He decided he needed to get away from the nicotine and started exercising instead.

    Example

    After twenty years of heavy use, he finally managed to kick the nicotine for good, though the cravings persisted for months.
Origin

Borrowed from French nicotine, equivalent to Nicot + -ine, named after Jean Nicot (1530–1604), the French ambassador to Portugal, who sent tobacco seeds back to France in 1561. The etymology of the surname itself is unclear.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026