caffeine

caf-feine · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A natural stimulant compound found in coffee, tea, and other plants that acts on the central nervous system to reduce tiredness and increase alertness.

  2. 2.

    The bitter crystalline alkaloid (C8H10N4O2) used medicinally as a stimulant.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    caffeine fix — a dose of caffeine needed to satisfy a craving
  • •
    caffeine-free — containing no caffeine
  • •
    decaf — short for decaffeinated, with caffeine removed

Related words

See also: coffee, energy, stimulant, tea
Synonyms: stimulant, theine

Etymology

From French caféine, coined in the early 19th century from café ("coffee") + the chemical suffix -ine. The compound was first isolated by German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge in 1819.