noun
- a colorless alkaloid compound that is the main metabolite of nicotine in the body, used as a biomarker to detect tobacco or nicotine exposure
Usage: technical; medical/scientific
Examples
- Cotinine levels in the blood can indicate recent nicotine exposure from smoking or vaping.
- Researchers measured cotinine in urine samples to assess secondhand smoke exposure among children.
- The presence of cotinine in a person's system is evidence of nicotine use within the past few days.
- Cotinine testing is often used in clinical studies to verify smoking status.
- High cotinine concentrations suggest regular exposure to tobacco products.