nicotine

Etymology

Borrowed from French nicotine, named after Jean Nicot (1530–1604), French ambassador to Portugal, who sent tobacco seeds back to France in 1561. Etymology of the surname itself is unclear.

noun

  1. (organic chemistry) An alkaloid (C₁₀H₁₄N₂), commonly occurring in the tobacco plant. In small doses it is a habit-forming stimulant; in larger doses it is toxic and is often used in insecticides.
    He is addicted to nicotine.
  2. (figurative) Tobacco, cigarettes
    He's got nicotine stains on his fingers.

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