letheon
(ˈliːθiːən)
[In some way from Gr. λήθη (see Lethe); perh. meant for Gr. ληθαῖον, neut. of ληθαῖος Lethean a.]
Sulphuric ether when used as an anæsthetic (see quot. 1880).
| 1847 N. Brit. Rev. VII. 173 The discoverer of what has been termed ‘the Letheon’—or, at least, of the system of ‘Letheonizing’. Ibid. 205 A convict lately..has begged to be executed while under the Letheon's influence. 1880 Libr. Univ. Knowl. (N.Y.) X. 241 Dr. [W. T. G.] Morton [of Boston] obtained a patent for the use of ether [as an anæsthetic], under the name of ‘letheon’, in 1846. |
Hence ˈletheonize v., trans. to subject to the action of letheon.
| 1847 N. Brit. Rev. VII. 178 A Mr. H. Wells..dentist, is announced as having practised letheonizing since October 1844. |