Definition

A type of local anesthetic used to numb a specific area of the body during medical procedures.

Example

The dentist used novocaine to ensure I wouldn't feel any pain during the filling.

Conversation

I had to get a filling today, and they used novocaine to numb my mouth.

Oh no, did it hurt?

Not really, but I couldn't feel my lip for hours after the novocaine wore off!

That sounds weird! I always find it strange when my face feels all tingly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Novocaine is formed from "novo-" (from Latin "novus", meaning new) and "caine" (from the chemical suffix used for local anesthetics). The word refers to a new type of local anesthetic.

Memory Tip

Think of 'new' ('novo-') when remembering that novocaine is a new kind of anesthetic.

Visually Confused Words