phenacetin

noun

phen·ac·e·tin fi-ˈna-sə-tən

: a white crystalline compound C₁₀H₁₃NO₂ formerly used to ease pain or fever but withdrawn because of its serious side effects

called also acetophenetidin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The most common active ingredient in cold pills at this time was phenacetin, banned in 1983 as a carcinogen and for damaging kidneys. —

David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phenacetin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of phenacetin was circa 1887

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Phenacetin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenacetin. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

phenacetin

noun

phen·ac·e·tin fi-ˈnas-ət-ən

: a compound C₁₀H₁₃NO₂ formerly used to ease pain or fever but now withdrawn from use because of its link to high blood pressure, heart attacks, cancer, and kidney disease

called also acetophenetidin