What does cotinine mean?
Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine, serving as a reliable biomarker to measure exposure to tobacco smoke. It is commonly used in research and medical contexts to assess nicotine intake and the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs. Cotinine levels can be measured in blood, urine, or saliva, providing a quantifiable indicator of tobacco smoke exposure. This makes cotinine a valuable tool for researchers and healthcare professionals studying the effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. By measuring cotinine levels, researchers can gain insights into the health impacts of tobacco smoke exposure and develop targeted interventions to reduce smoking-related health risks.
nounCotinine is a metabolite of nicotine, often used as a biomarker to measure exposure to tobacco smoke. It is a reliable indicator of nicotine intake.
- A metabolite of nicotine.
- A biomarker for tobacco smoke exposure.
"The researchers measured cotinine levels in the participants' blood to assess their exposure to secondhand smoke."
"The study found a correlation between cotinine levels and respiratory problems."
"Cotinine is often used in research to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cotinine
Cotinine is derived from nicotine, a major component of tobacco. The term 'cotinine' is believed to have originated from the scientific community, likely in the mid-20th century, as researchers began to study nicotine metabolism. The word is related to 'cotin', an obsolete term for a type of tobacco, and the suffix '-ine', which is commonly used in chemistry to form names of compounds.
Usage notes
Cotinine is primarily used in medical and scientific contexts to refer to a specific biomarker. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.