Anaesthetic: meaning, definitions and examples
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anaesthetic
[ əˈnæs.θə.tɪk ]
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.