Analgesic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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analgesic
[ˌænəlˈdʒiːzɪk ]
Definitions
medical treatment
A medication used to relieve pain.
Synonyms
pain reliever, painkiller.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| analgesic |
Used in medical or formal contexts to describe a drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
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| painkiller |
Informally used to describe strong medication that reduces or eliminates severe pain, sometimes associated with stronger or prescription medications.
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| pain reliever |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe any medication that reduces or eliminates pain.
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Examples of usage
- She took an analgesic for her headache.
- The doctor prescribed an analgesic for the patient's back pain.
describing medication
Relating to or acting as a pain reliever.
Synonyms
pain-reducing, pain-relieving.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| analgesic |
Commonly used in medical contexts to refer to medications or treatments that relieve pain. Suitable for use by healthcare professionals or in discussions about medical treatments.
|
| pain-relieving |
Similar to 'pain-reducing,' but specifically implies the action of making pain go away or alleviating it. It is often used when talking about specific products or techniques designed to relieve pain.
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| pain-reducing |
Typically used in more general or informal settings to describe methods or treatments that lower the intensity of pain. It is more colloquial than 'analgesic' and can be understood by a broader audience.
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Examples of usage
- The analgesic properties of the medication help alleviate discomfort.
- The analgesic effect of the drug was evident within minutes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Usage
- Common analgesics include over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are used for headaches, body aches, and fever.
- Prescription analgesics, such as opioids, are used for more severe pain but carry risks of addiction and side effects.
Pop Culture
- Analgesics are frequently mentioned in movies and TV shows, particularly in medical dramas where doctors treat patients in pain.
- Many characters may be seen taking pain relievers after physical injuries in sports movies, highlighting their relief role.
Historical Perspective
- Ancient civilizations used natural remedies found in plants, such as willow bark and poppy, that contained analgesic properties long before modern medicine.
- In 1899, a major advancement occurred with the introduction of aspirin, which became one of the earliest and most popular analgesics.
Psychology
- Research shows that the expectation of pain relief can enhance the effectiveness of analgesics, linking mental state to physical sensation.
- The placebo effect, where patients feel relief without actual medication, highlights how belief influences pain perception.
Origin of 'analgesic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Greek roots: 'an-' meaning 'without' and 'algos' meaning 'pain'.
- The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe a class of pain-relieving drugs.
The word 'analgesic' comes from the Greek roots 'an-' (without) and 'algesis' (sense of pain). It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe substances that relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. Analgesics have since become an essential part of medical treatment for various types of pain.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,978, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17975 dusted
- 17976 sedition
- 17977 grapefruit
- 17978 analgesic
- 17979 friar
- 17980 portraying
- 17981 rebuked
- ...