Anaesthetic: meaning, definitions and examples

💉
Add to dictionary

anaesthetic

 

[ əˈnæs.θə.tɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical term

An anaesthetic is a substance that induces insensitivity to pain. It is primarily used during surgical procedures to prevent patients from feeling pain. There are two main types of anaesthetics: general, which renders a patient unconscious, and local, which numbs a specific area. The choice of anaesthetic depends on the type of surgery and patient health.

Synonyms

anesthetic, numbing agent, painkiller.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon administered an anaesthetic before the operation.
  • Local anaesthetics are commonly used in dental procedures.
  • She felt relieved when the anaesthetic took effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "anaesthetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anestésico

🇮🇳 अनेस्थेसिया

🇩🇪 Anästhetikum

🇮🇩 anestesi

🇺🇦 анестетик

🇵🇱 anestetyk

🇯🇵 麻酔薬

🇫🇷 anesthésique

🇪🇸 anestésico

🇹🇷 anestezik

🇰🇷 마취제

🇸🇦 مخدر

🇨🇿 anestetikum

🇸🇰 anestetikum

🇨🇳 麻醉剂

🇸🇮 anestetik

🇮🇸 lyfja

🇰🇿 анестетик

🇬🇪 ანესთეზია

🇦🇿 anestezik

🇲🇽 anestésico

Etymology

The term 'anaesthetic' comes from the Greek word 'anaisthesis,' meaning 'loss of sensation.' It was first used in the mid-19th century, particularly associated with the advent of ether and chloroform, which were revolutionary in surgical procedures. The word gained prominence after the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia by William Morton in 1846, marking a significant advancement in surgical practices. Over time, the definition and application of anaesthetics have evolved, expanding to include various methods and substances that enhance patient comfort during medical procedures.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,064, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.