cotinine

noun

co·​tin·​ine ˈkō-tə-ˌnēn How to pronounce cotinine (audio) -ˌnīn How to pronounce cotinine (audio)
: an alkaloid C10H12N2O that is the principal metabolite of nicotine

Examples of cotinine in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since tobacco use has been associated with higher levels of heavy metals in the body, the researchers also tested the samples for an alkaloid found in tobacco but not cannabis, called cotinine. — Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Sep. 2023 Following the treatment period, participants’ smoking behaviour was monitored for four weeks, both by self-reporting and by monitoring urine for cotinine — a product formed when nicotine is broken down in the body. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 23 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably anagram of nicotine

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cotinine was in 1893

Rhymes for cotinine

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“Cotinine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotinine. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cotinine

noun
co·​tin·​ine ˈkōt-ᵊn-ˌēn How to pronounce cotinine (audio) -ˌīn How to pronounce cotinine (audio)
: an alkaloid C10H12N2O that is the principal metabolite of nicotine and is widely used as an indicator of recent exposure to nicotine
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