anesthetic

or an·aes·thet·ic

[ an-uhs-thet-ik ]

/ ˌæn əsˈθɛt ɪk /

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See synonyms for: anesthetic / anesthetics on Thesaurus.com

Definition of anesthetic

noun

a substance that produces anesthesia, as halothane, procaine, or ether.

adjective

pertaining to or causing physical insensibility: an anesthetic gas.

physically insensitive: Halothane is used to produce an anesthetic state.

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Origin of anesthetic

1840–50, Americanism;<Greek anaísthēt(os) without feeling, senseless + -ic; see an-¹, aesthetic

OTHER WORDS FROM anesthetic

an·es·thet·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·an·es·thet·ic, adjective, nounpost·an·es·thet·ic, adjectivesem·i·an·es·thet·ic, adjective

Words nearby anesthetic

anesthesia dolorosa, anesthesia record, anesthesimeter, anesthesiologist, anesthesiology, anesthetic, anesthetic depth, anesthetic leprosy, anesthetist, anesthetize, anestrous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use anesthetic in a sentence

In our recent study, we showed that the function of this source of the brain’s dopamine is impaired in patients with disorders of consciousness and also in healthy people after the administration of an anesthetic.
New Research Shows How Dopamine Plays a Key Role in Consciousness|Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian|August 12, 2021|Singularity Hub
Moreover, their activities can be suppressed by the same anesthetics that are used on people.
We’re at home among trees — which might be able to sense our presence|Richard Schiffman|July 23, 2021|Washington Post
The anesthetics the scientists used, which included some that are used on people, deactivated electric activity in the plants so that the traps no longer reacted when they were touched.
Plants Feel Pain and Might Even See - Issue 104: Harmony|Peter Wohlleben|July 21, 2021|Nautilus
It’s helped a lot that the drug, approved as a general anesthetic in 1970, is easy to get—unlike more heavily regulated compounds like LSD or psilocybin.
Can tripping on ketamine cure PTSD? I decided to try.|Corinne Iozzio|June 21, 2021|Popular-Science

You can also talk to a doctor about topical anesthetics, which can numb the injection area.
'Needle Phobia' May Be Keeping Some From Getting Their COVID-19 Vaccine. Here's How to Cope|Tara Law|May 7, 2021|Time
And I have to have whiskey because alcohol is both an antiseptic and an anesthetic.
My Reverse-Cyrano Moment Wooing the Supreme Court|P. J. O’Rourke|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Cocaine specifically is still used as a topical anesthetic,” says John Halpern.
Why We Need Medical Meth + Cocaine|Valerie Vande Panne|February 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He said that the Islamic court had ordered it, but mercifully allowed him a local anesthetic before.
Pity Boston, Ignore Nigeria: The Limits of Compassion|Janine di Giovanni|April 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He only took cash, and he charged more for bigger babies and additional anesthetic, according to the report.
Why Are the Media Apologizing About Kermit Gosnell Coverage?|Josh Dzieza|April 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
One last question: how did The Times obtain that data on Iranian anesthetic stockpiles?
Take Responsibility for Your Actions, Iran!|David Frum|November 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Give plenty of anesthetic, just as if he seemed fully conscious.
Cursed|George Allan England
Tropacocaine may replace cocaine in every case as an anesthetic.
Merck's 1899 Manual|Merck & Co.
The man is infallible—and the anesthetic revelation plays a part as in no writer.
The Letters of William James, Vol. II|William James
The most unfair, last word to describe religious faith is the word anesthetic.
The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book|Various
When she came from under the anesthetic, her father was holding her hand and he spoke to her in just such a tone.
The Carter Girls|Nell Speed

British Dictionary definitions for anesthetic

anesthetic

/ (ˌænɪsˈθɛtɪk) /

noun, adjective

the usual US spelling of anaesthetic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for anesthetic

anesthetic

[ ăn′ĭs-thĕt′ĭk ]

An agent that reversibly depresses neuronal function, producing total or partial loss of sensation.

adj.

Characterized by the loss of sensation.

Capable of producing a loss of sensation.

Associated with or due to the state of anesthesia.

Other words from anesthetic

an′es•thet′i•cal•ly adv.

Scientific definitions for anesthetic

anesthetic

[ ăn′ĭs-thĕt′ĭk ]

A drug that temporarily depresses neuronal function, producing total or partial loss of sensation with or without the loss of consciousness.

Cultural definitions for anesthetic

anesthetic

[ (an-is-thet-ik) ]

A substance that causes loss of sensation or consciousness. With the aid of an anesthetic, people can undergo surgery without pain. (See general anesthetic and local anesthetic.)

anesthetic

or an·aes·thet·ic

Definition of anesthetic

COMPARE MEANINGS

Origin of anesthetic

OTHER WORDS FROM anesthetic

Words nearby anesthetic

Words related to anesthetic

How to use anesthetic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for anesthetic

Medical definitions for anesthetic

Other words from anesthetic

Scientific definitions for anesthetic

Cultural definitions for anesthetic