rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryanesthesiaMedical loss of sensation
noun

anesthesia

an-us-THEE-zhuh/ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/

A temporary loss of sensation induced to prevent pain during medical treatment.

The anesthetist administers anesthesia through the fitted mask.

An older patient lies peacefully on an operating table while an anesthetist holds a fitted anesthesia mask connected to an anesthesia machine over her nose and mouth.
Etymology
anGreekwithout
+esthesGreekfeeling, perception
+iaGreekcondition

The pieces name a condition “without feeling,” originally a general lack of sensation or perception. Medical use narrowed this to loss of feeling used to prevent pain during procedures.

In context

Dan Carlin44:49
scoop out the eye with what amounted to a spoon and when you think of someone doing that to you without any sort of real anesthesia or anesthetic it boggles the mind to consider the amount of pain
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History 71 - Mania for Subjugation

More examples

  • The procedure required anesthesia.
  • She studied the history of anesthesia.
  • The team monitored the patient during anesthesia.

Forms

anesthesia

anesthetic noun — a substance producing loss of sensation

Similar words

sedation
Reduces alertness rather than necessarily removing sensation.
analgesia
Relieves pain without necessarily blocking other sensation.