Definition

A white or colorless substance made from coca leaves, often used as a drug for its stimulating effects and sometimes in medicine as a local anesthetic.

Example

Cocaine is known for its powerful effects on the brain and body.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dangers of cocaine?

Yeah, it seems so risky and addictive.

It's crazy how something that can be used medically can also be so harmful.

Exactly, it’s really important to stay informed about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cocaine is derived from the word "coca" (from Spanish *coca*, referring to the coca plant) and the suffix "-ine" (used in chemistry to denote substances). The word "cocaine" refers to the alkaloid derived from the coca plant.

Memory Tip

Think of the coca plant, which is where cocaine comes from, and remember that the suffix '-ine' indicates a chemical substance.

Visually Confused Words