Definition

A white crystalline substance used as a local anesthetic, especially in eye surgery.

Example

The doctor applied phenacaine to numb the area before the procedure.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of phenacaine?

Yeah, I think it's used as a local anesthetic, right?

Exactly! It's often used in eye surgeries.

That's interesting, I didn't know it had such specific applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phenacaine is derived from "phenol" (from Greek "phaino", meaning to show or appear) and "-caine" (a suffix used in the names of local anesthetics). The word refers to a compound that shows anesthetic properties, particularly in medical applications.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phenol' as something that 'shows' or has effects, and '-caine' relates to anesthetics. This helps you remember that phenacaine is a compound that shows anesthetic effects.

Visually Confused Words