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DictionarynicotineAddictive stimulant
noun

nicotine

NIK-uh-teen/ˈnɪkətiːn/

An addictive stimulant substance found in tobacco.

Nicotine in tobacco makes it difficult for many people to quit.

A recognizable tobacco sprig with a magnified molecular detail showing nicotine’s specific chemical structure, distinguishing the chemical within the plant from tobacco itself.
Etymology
nicotineLatintobacco plant genus

Nicotiana, the botanical name for tobacco, honors Jean Nicot, who sent tobacco seeds and powdered leaves to France. The plant’s name supplied the name for the chemical found in its leaves.

In context

HISTORY4:02
most importantly, nicotine-- the addictive chemical produced by the plant. >> WIGAND: Without nicotine in the tobacco plant, it would have virtually little or non-existent commercial use.
Modern Marvels: How Tobacco is Made - Full Episode (S13, E51) | History

More examples

  • The patch releases nicotine slowly through the skin.
  • Many vaping liquids contain nicotine even though they contain no tobacco.
  • Nicotine withdrawal can cause irritability and strong cravings.