Definition

A specific drug that is used to cause loss of sensation or consciousness during medical procedures.

Example

The doctor administered decamethonium to the patient before the surgery.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of decamethonium?

Yeah, it's that drug used during anesthesia, right?

Exactly! I read it has some interesting effects on the body.

It does! I think it's fascinating how such drugs work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decamethonium is formed from "deca-" (from Greek "deka", meaning ten) and "methonium" (derived from "methyl" which comes from Greek "methylos", meaning wine alcohol, and the suffix "-onium" indicating a positively charged ion). The word refers to a compound that contains ten carbon atoms in its structure, specifically in the context of a quaternary ammonium compound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deca-' meaning ten, and 'methonium' relating to a type of ion — this helps you remember that decamethonium is a compound with ten carbon atoms.

Visually Confused Words