How to Pronounce Codeine
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Codeine Pronunciation
KOH-deen
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
KOH
stress here
deen
2 syllables
What is Codeine?
Codeine is used to relieve pain. It is also used to relieve cough. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. Codeine is also available in combination with acetaminophen and aspir
Definition sourced from MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
Questions About Codeine
How do you pronounce codeine?
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Codeine is pronounced KOH-deen, with two syllables. The first syllable rhymes with "go" or "toe," and the second syllable rhymes with "bean" or "clean." Say it like you're saying "code" and then "een" together.
Which syllable in codeine is stressed?
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The first syllable is stressed, so you say it a bit louder and longer: KOH-deen. A common mistake is stressing the second syllable instead, making it sound like "co-DEEN," but that's not correct.
How do you break codeine into syllables?
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Codeine has two syllables: co-deine. The "co" part comes first, and the "deine" part comes second.
What is a common mispronunciation of codeine?
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People often mispronounce it as "co-DEEN" by stressing the second syllable, or sometimes say "COD-ine" by rhyming the second part with "pine." The correct way is KOH-deen, with stress on the first syllable and the second part rhyming with "bean."
Can you use codeine in a sentence?
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Here's an example: "The patient asked the pharmacist how to pronounce the name of their medication, and the pharmacist said, 'It's codeine, pronounced KOH-deen.'" This shows the word being used in a real-world conversation about saying the medication name correctly.
Is there a shorter way to write or say codeine?
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Codeine is typically written and said as codeine—there isn't a common abbreviation or shortened form used in medical settings or pharmacies.
Is codeine hard to pronounce?
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No, codeine is fairly straightforward once you know it rhymes with "go" for the first part and "bean" for the second. Just remember to stress the first syllable: KOH-deen. Most people get it right after hearing it once or twice.