ˈnikəˌtēn, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from New Latin Nicotiana + French -ine
1. : a very poisonous volatile weakly basic liquid alkaloid C 10 H 14 N 2 that constitutes the chief active principle of tobacco, that darkens on exposure, that causes an acrid burning sensation in the mouth, that is obtained usually as a by-product of the tobacco industry, and that is used as an insecticide in various forms (as the free alkaloid or as a solution of the sulfate)
2. : flowering tobacco