relaxant

American  

[ri-lak-suhnt] / rɪˈlæk sənt /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing a relaxation.

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noun

1. Pharmacology. a drug that relaxes, especially one that lessens strain in muscle.

relaxant British  

/ rɪˈlæksənt /

noun

1. med a drug or agent that relaxes, esp one that relaxes tense muscles

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or tending to produce relaxation

Etymology

Origin of relaxant

1765–75; < Latin relaxant- (stem of relaxāns ), present participle of relaxāre. See relax, -ant

Example Sentences

Her doctor told her the problem was probably tied to some of her prescriptions, so she pulled back on taking the painkiller gabapentin and the muscle relaxant methocarbamol.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

All received the same five-drug regimen: a drug that prevents nausea and vomiting, a sedative, fentanyl, propofol and a muscle relaxant.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

After two Samoan children died in 2018 from vaccines that nurses accidentally infused with muscle relaxant, the Samoan government suspended its vaccination program.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2025

Xylazine is primarily used in veterinary practice as an animal muscle relaxant; it has not been approved for human use.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2023

Then the medicines should be anti-spasmodic and relaxant, tonic, diaphoretic, and lubricating.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George