Definition

A white powder or solid that comes from coal tar and is used in medicine to lower fever and ease pain.

Example

Acetophenetidin was once commonly used as a pain reliever before being withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of acetophenetidin?

Yes, I think it's used for pain relief, right?

Exactly! It's derived from coal tar and helps reduce fever too.

I should keep some on hand for when I get headaches.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acetophenetidin is formed from "acet-" (from Latin *acetum*, meaning vinegar or sour) and "phenetidin" (which is derived from "phenol" and "ethanol", where "phenol" comes from Greek *phaino* meaning to shine, and "ethanol" is derived from the chemical structure of alcohol). The word refers to a compound that includes both an acetyl group and a phenetidine structure, commonly used as a pain reliever.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vinegar' ('acet-') combined with a 'shining' chemical structure ('phenetidin') to remember that acetophenetidin is a compound used for relief.

Visually Confused Words