Definition

A powerful drug made from coca leaves that can numb parts of the body and is often used illegally for its pleasurable effects; it can be very addictive.

Example

He was arrested for possession of cocaine, which is illegal in many countries.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dangers of cocaine?

Yeah, I've read that it's really addictive and harmful.

It's shocking how many people underestimate cocaine and its effects.

Totally, it's important to raise awareness about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cocaine originates from the Spanish word 'cocaína', which is derived from 'coca' (the name of the plant Erythroxylum coca) and the suffix '-ina' (used in chemistry to denote substances). The word refers to the alkaloid derived from the coca plant.

Memory Tip

Think of the coca plant as the source of cocaine, and remember that '-ina' indicates a chemical substance derived from it.

Visually Confused Words