Definition

A white solid substance that was once used in medicine to help with pain and fever, but is no longer commonly used because it can be harmful.

Example

Acetanilide was once a common ingredient in pain relief medications.

Conversation

I was reading about this old medicine called acetanilide today.

Oh really? What was it used for?

It used to be popular for relieving pain and fever, but it’s considered toxic now.

That’s interesting! I guess it’s good they found safer alternatives.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acetanilide is formed from "acet-" (from Latin *acetum*, meaning vinegar or sour) and "anilide" (from "aniline", which is derived from the Latin *anilinum*, meaning indigo plant). The word refers to a compound derived from aniline with an acetyl group, often used in pharmaceuticals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acet-' relating to vinegar and 'anilide' connecting to the indigo plant, which helps you remember that acetanilide is a compound related to these origins.

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