Chem. Also codeina. [f. Gr. κώδεια head, poppy-head + -INE.] A white crystalline alkaloid (C18 H21 NO3) contained in opium, and used as a hypnotic; discovered and named in 1832 by Robiquet of Paris.
1838. T. Thomson, Chem. Org. Bodies, 250 (heading), Of codeina.
1881. Nature, XXIV. 293. M. Grimaux has succeeded in producing codeine, identical in properties with the naturally occurring alkaloid.
