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Procaine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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procaine

[proʊˈkeɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical use

Procaine is a local anesthetic drug that is commonly used to induce numbness in a specific area of the body. It is particularly effective in dental procedures and minor surgical interventions. Procaine works by blocking nerve signals in the body, providing pain relief during medical treatments. Its effect generally lasts for a short duration, making it suitable for outpatient procedures. While procaine is effective, it is less commonly used today compared to other local anesthetics due to the availability of newer alternatives.

Synonyms

Novocain, local anesthetic.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist applied procaine before the extraction.
  • Procaine is often mixed with adrenaline for better results.
  • Patients reported minimal discomfort with procaine injections.

Translations

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Origin of 'procaine'

The term 'procaine' was first introduced in 1905 by German chemist Alfred Einhorn. It was synthesized as a safer alternative to cocaine, which was widely used at the time for local anesthesia but came with significant risks of addiction and adverse effects. Procaine shares a similar structure to cocaine but lacks its potent psychoactive properties. Initially marketed under the trade name Novocain, procaine gained popularity in the medical community for its efficacy in inducing local anesthesia, particularly in dental practices. Over the years, as research in anesthetics evolved, procaine's use diminished with the introduction of longer-lasting and more effective agents, such as lidocaine and bupivacaine. Nonetheless, it remains a noteworthy development in the history of anesthesia, being one of the first synthetic local anesthetics to offer safety and reliability.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,151, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.