propoxyphene

noun

pro·poxy·phene prō-ˈpäk-sə-ˌfēn

: a narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₉NO₂ structurally related to methadone but less addicting that is administered especially in the form of its salts (such as the hydrochloride) and has been largely withdrawn from use because of its link to serious heart disorders

Word History

Etymology

prop- + oxy + -phene (alteration of phenyl)

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of propoxyphene was in 1955

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Propoxyphene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propoxyphene. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

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Medical Definition

propoxyphene

noun

pro·poxy·phene prō-ˈpäk-sə-ˌfēn

: a narcotic analgesic structurally related to methadone but less addicting that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₂H₂₉NO₂·HCl or hydrated napsylate C₂₂H₂₉NO₂·C₁₀H₈SO₃·H₂O and has been largely withdrawn from use because of its link to serious heart disorders

called also dextropropoxyphene

see darvocet-n, darvon