lidocaine

noun

li·​do·​caine ˈlī-də-ˌkān How to pronounce lidocaine (audio)
: a crystalline compound C14H22N2O that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic and as an antiarrhythmic agent

Examples of lidocaine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Any anesthetic product used on the toad must contain 20% benzocaine or lidocaine. Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 But the solution caused Peñaloza Cabrera to suffer lidocaine toxicity, a condition that occurs when excessive amounts of the anesthetic enter the bloodstream, causing seizures, irregular heart rhythm, respiratory failure and — as in the victim’s case — cardiac arrest. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026 Morphine, fentanyl and lidocaine couldn’t soothe all her pain. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 Jackson Browne's son, Ethan, died from the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lidocaine

Word History

Etymology

acetanilid + -o- + -caine

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lidocaine was circa 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Lidocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lidocaine. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

lidocaine

noun
li·​do·​caine ˈlīd-ə-ˌkān How to pronounce lidocaine (audio)
: a crystalline compound C14H22N2O used as a local anesthetic often in the form of its hydrochloride C14H22N2O·HCl

called also lignocaine

see xylocaine

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