Caffeine: meaning, definitions and examples

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caffeine

 

[ ˈkæf.iːn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

natural stimulant

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, which can make you feel more awake and give you increased energy. Caffeine is known to enhance alertness and concentration due to its ability to block adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. While moderate consumption is generally considered safe for most people, excessive intake may lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate.

Synonyms

1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, guaranine, theine

Examples of usage

  • I need my morning coffee for a caffeine boost.
  • Many athletes use caffeine to improve their performance.
  • Caffeine can enhance cognitive functions temporarily.
  • Some sodas contain significant amounts of caffeine.

Translations

Translations of the word "caffeine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cafeína

🇮🇳 कैफीन

🇩🇪 Koffein

🇮🇩 kafein

🇺🇦 кофеїн

🇵🇱 kofeina

🇯🇵 カフェイン

🇫🇷 caféine

🇪🇸 cafeína

🇹🇷 kafein

🇰🇷 카페인

🇸🇦 كافيين

🇨🇿 kofein

🇸🇰 kofeín

🇨🇳 咖啡因

🇸🇮 kafein

🇮🇸 koffín

🇰🇿 кофеин

🇬🇪 კაფეინი

🇦🇿 kafein

🇲🇽 cafeína

Etymology

The word 'caffeine' comes from the German word 'Koffein' which is derived from the French word 'café', meaning coffee. The French term is related to the Italian word 'caffè', which also refers to coffee. The chemical caffeine was first isolated from coffee in the early 19th century. By the late 19th century, the term 'caffeine' was adopted into English. The use of caffeine has been traced back to ancient civilizations where it was consumed through various sources such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. Over time, caffeine became popular for its stimulating effects, leading to widespread use in drinks and medications. Today, it remains one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances in the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,946, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.