noun / adjective
anesthetic
an-us-THET-ik/ˌænəsˈθetɪk/
A drug that causes loss of sensation, or having this effect.
A vial of anesthetic rests beside a capped syringe on the clinical tray.
Etymology
The Greek ancestor means “without feeling.” The English adjective shifted from describing insensibility to describing something that produces it; the noun then named a drug that causes this loss of sensation.
In context
This solution contains a barbbiterate anesthetic such as sodium pentabarbital. It works quickly, usually within seconds, causing the pet to lose consciousness without experiencing pain or distress.
More examples
- A local anesthetic numbs the area while she remains awake.
- The cream has an anesthetic effect on the skin.
- The hospital stores several different anesthetics.
Forms
anesthetic · anesthetics
anesthesia noun — A state of reduced or absent sensation.
Similar words
- analgesic
- Primarily relieves pain rather than producing broader loss of sensation.
- sedative
- Primarily calms or promotes sleep rather than blocking sensation.