analgesic

[an-l-jee-zik, -sik]

noun

1. a remedy that relieves or allays pain.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing analgesia, or the relief of pain.

analgesic

/ -sɪk, ˌænəlˈdʒiːzɪk /

adjective

1. of or causing analgesia

noun

1. a substance that produces analgesia

analgesic

1. A drug used to eliminate pain; a painkiller. Aspirin and acetaminophen are analgesics.

analgesic

1. A drug, such as aspirin, that relieves pain in the body.

Word History and Origins

Origin of analgesic¹

First recorded in 1870–75; analges(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

When it comes to analgesics, always consult your physician first.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

There's this much reported case of a woman who suffered from convulsions after taking a medicine for diabetes which had a similar sounding name to an analgesic she had been prescribed.

Read more on BBC

For decades, it was a popular party drug among the English aristocracy, who reveled in “laughing gas parties” before it was first used as an anesthetic and analgesic in medical settings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, the idea that prescription opioids are deeply harmful to society seems to have a deathgrip on the cultural conversation — as Friedmann puts it, a non-addictive analgesic is “a holy grail in medicine.”

Read more on Salon

"We can use this information as a springboard to develop new peptide-based analgesics that prevent this signaling complex from forming," said Bunnett.

Read more on Science Daily

When To Use

What does analgesic mean?

An analgesic is a remedy that reduces or relieves pain. It especially refers to pain relief medicine, such as acetaminophen.Analgesics also include drugs known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen.Analgesic can also be used as an adjective describing things that have pain-relieving effects, as in the analgesic properties of certain herbs.Analgesic comes from the word analgesia, which means a lessening of pain or the absence of pain.Example: Aspirin is a well-known and commonly used analgesic.