preanesthetic

[pree-an-uhs-thet-ik, pree-an-]

noun

1. a substance that produces a preliminary or light anesthesia.

adjective

1. given prior to an anesthetic that induces total insensibility.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preanesthetic¹

First recorded in 1890–95; pre- + anesthetic

Example Sentences

Most notable is a new resolution that requires cardiovascular and preanesthetic assessments to be done before surgery.

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In preanesthetic surgery, minor operations were performed rapidly, beginning just after the patient's attention had been attracted to something else besides the thought of the operation.

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The state of intoxication seems by record of several cases to render birth painless and unconscious, as well as serving as a means of anesthesia in the preanesthetic days.

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