# caine

/ˈkeɪn/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/caine
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a chemical suffix used in the names of drugs that make a part of your body go numb. You will see it in words like cocaine or lidocaine.

For teachers: a suffix identifying a class of synthetic alkaloids or local anaesthetics derived from or related to cocaine. Frequently appears as a terminal morpheme in pharmaceutical nomenclature.

## Examples

- The dentist used a caine drug to numb my tooth.
- Many local anaesthetics belong to the caine family, providing temporary pain relief during minor surgical procedures.
- The development of synthetic caine derivatives allowed surgeons to perform delicate operations without the systemic risks or addictive potential associated with early natural alkaloids.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used as a suffix in chemical and medical naming conventions rather than as a standalone noun.

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