Novocain: meaning, definitions and examples

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Novocain

 

[ ˈnoʊvəˌkeɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Novocain, also known as procaine, is a local anesthetic that is commonly used to induce loss of sensation in a specific area of the body during medical procedures. It works by blocking the conduction of nerve impulses, thereby preventing the sensation of pain. Although it was widely used in dental procedures, its use has declined in favor of newer anesthetics that have fewer side effects.

Synonyms

procaine

Examples of usage

  • The dentist injected Novocain to numb the area before the filling.
  • Patients often feel anxious about the use of Novocain during surgery.
  • Novocain is sometimes combined with epinephrine to prolong its effects.

Translations

Translations of the word "Novocain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 novocaína

🇮🇳 नवोकैन

🇩🇪 Novocain

🇮🇩 novokain

🇺🇦 новокаїн

🇵🇱 nowokaina

🇯🇵 プロカイン

🇫🇷 novocaïne

🇪🇸 novocaína

🇹🇷 novokain

🇰🇷 노보카인

🇸🇦 نوفوكائين

🇨🇿 novokain

🇸🇰 novokain

🇨🇳 新卡因

🇸🇮 novokain

🇮🇸 novókain

🇰🇿 новокаин

🇬🇪 ნოვოკაინი

🇦🇿 novokain

🇲🇽 novocaína

Etymology

The term 'Novocain' originated from the early 20th century, when the substance procaine was synthesized in 1905 by the German chemist Alfred Einhorn. The name 'Novocain' is derived from the Latin words 'novus,' meaning 'new,' and 'cana,' a reference to its anesthetic properties, akin to cocaine, which was the original local anesthetic used before Novocain's introduction. Due to its effectiveness and lower toxicity in comparison to cocaine, Novocain became a preferred choice for local anesthesia, especially in dentistry. As medical advancements continued, newer anesthetics emerged, but Novocain remains a significant part of anesthesia's historical development.