lidocaine

American  

[lahy-duh-keyn] / ˈlaɪ dəˌkeɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic crystalline powder, C 14 H 22 N 2 O, used as a local anesthetic and also in the management of certain arrhythmias.

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lidocaine British  

/ ˈlaɪdəˌkeɪn /

noun

1. Also called: lignocaine.  a powerful local anaesthetic administered by injection, or topically to mucous membranes. Formula: C 14 H 22 N 2 O.HCl.H 2 O

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lidocaine Scientific  

/ lī′də-kān′ /

1. A synthetic amide, C ₁₄ H ₂₂ N ₂ O, used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic.

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Etymology

Origin of lidocaine

(acetani)lid(e) + -o- + -caine, extracted from cocaine (to designate an anesthetic)

Example Sentences

She said the calves’ reaction to the hot iron indicates that pain medication, such as lidocaine, was not applied before the procedure.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

However, while Tsevat observed several OB-GYNs placing IUDs during her residency, she says one of the only instructors who regularly applied lidocaine specialized in complex family planning.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2025

Birch also cites an experiment in which lidocaine was used to relieve experimentally-induced pain from an injection of acetic acid in an octopus.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2024

Doctors might also offer a topical lidocaine gel or spray, but the evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, Goldstein said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2023

“The local anesthesia we use is usually lidocaine, which doesn’t disrupt the mental abilities of our patients, so they are able to drive themselves home,” he said in an email.

From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2023