benzocaine

[ ben-zoh-keyn ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. ethyl aminobenzoate; a white, crystalline powder, C 9 H 11 NO 2 , used as a local anesthetic, usually in ointment form.

benzocaine

/ ˈbɛnzəʊˌkeɪn /

noun

1. a white crystalline ester used as a local anaesthetic; ethyl para -aminobenzoate. Formula: C 9 H 11 NO 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzocaine¹

First recorded in 1920–25; benzo- + (co)caine

Example Sentences

He said this may be an unintended consequence of the government’s recent clampdown on cutting agents such as benzocaine.

From BBC

Warren said the condition had been triggered by a numbing agent containing benzocaine.

From The Guardian

Doctors determined the woman developed methemoglobinemia after using “large amounts” of topical benzocaine, which she said she used the night before her hospital visit.

From Fox News

But there was something in those little brown squares — the supplement first included benzocaine, an oral anesthetic that would presumably numb the taste buds.

From Washington Post

Regulators have issued multiple warnings about benzocaine but deaths have continued.

From Seattle Times