phenacaine

noun

phe·​na·​caine ˈfē-nə-ˌkān How to pronounce phenacaine (audio) ˈfe- How to pronounce phenacaine (audio)
: a crystalline base C18H22N2O2 or its hydrochloride used as a local anesthetic

Word History

Etymology

probably from phenetidine + acet- + -caine

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenacaine was in 1907

Rhymes for phenacaine

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Browse Nearby Words

phen-
phenacaine
phenacetin
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Cite this Entry

“Phenacaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenacaine. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

phenacaine

noun
phe·​na·​caine ˈfē-nə-ˌkān How to pronounce phenacaine (audio) ˈfen-ə- How to pronounce phenacaine (audio)
: a crystalline base that has been used as a local anesthetic in the form of its hydrochloride C18H22N2O2·HCl
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