tetracaine

noun

tet·​ra·​caine ˈte-trə-ˌkān 

: a crystalline basic ester C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂ that is closely related chemically to procaine and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic

Word History

Etymology

tetra- + -caine

First Known Use

circa 1935, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tetracaine

noun

tet·​ra·​caine ˈte-trə-ˌkān 

: a crystalline basic ester that is closely related chemically to procaine and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂·HCl as a local anesthetic

called also amethocaine, pantocaine

see pontocaine