tetracaine

noun

tet·ra·caine ˈte-trə-ˌkān

: a crystalline basic ester C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂ that is closely related chemically to procaine and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic

Word History

Etymology

tetra- + -caine

First Known Use

circa 1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tetracaine was circa 1935

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Style

“Tetracaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetracaine. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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Medical Definition

tetracaine

noun

tet·ra·caine ˈte-trə-ˌkān

: a crystalline basic ester that is closely related chemically to procaine and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂·HCl as a local anesthetic

called also amethocaine, pantocaine

see pontocaine

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tetracaine

noun

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