nicotine
/ˈnɪkətiːn
/noun [mass noun]
A toxic colourless or yellowish oily liquid which is the chief active constituent of tobacco. It acts as a stimulant in small doses, but in larger amounts blocks the action of autonomic nerve and skeletal muscle cells.
- An alkaloid; chemical formula: C10H14N2.
- These laws offer a promising framework for the regulation of nicotine, including tobacco products.
- I understand these results are based on the amount of nicotine found in the bloodstream.
Origin
Early 19th century: from French, from nicotiana + -ine4.