1. plural of phenacetin, a white crystalline compound formerly used as a painkiller and fever reducer
Usage: medical; pharmaceutical

Examples

• Phenacetins were commonly prescribed for headaches in the early 20th century.
• The doctor explained that phenacetins had been removed from most medications due to safety concerns.
• Old medicine cabinets sometimes still contain bottles of phenacetins from decades past.
• Researchers studied the long-term effects of phenacetins on kidney function.
• The pharmacy stopped selling phenacetins after new regulations were implemented.