phenacaine

noun

phe·na·caine ˈfē-nə-ˌkān

ˈfe-

: 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

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Browse Nearby Words

phen-

phenacaine

phenacetin

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Phenacaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenacaine. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Medical Definition

phenacaine

noun

phe·na·caine ˈfē-nə-ˌkān

ˈfen-ə-

: a crystalline base that has been used as a local anesthetic in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₈H₂₂N₂O₂·HCl

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