anaesthetic
|an-es-the-tic|
🇺🇸
/ˌænəsˈθɛtɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌænɪsˈθɛtɪk/
loss of sensation
Etymology
'anaesthetic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anaisthēsia,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'aisthēsis' meant 'sensation.'
'anaisthēsia' was adopted into modern Latin as 'anaesthesia,' and then into English as 'anaesthetic' in the 19th century.
Initially, it meant 'without sensation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a substance or state that causes loss of sensation, especially for medical purposes.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance that causes loss of sensation, especially pain, either in the whole body or a part of it, usually to allow medical procedures.
The dentist gave me an anaesthetic before pulling the tooth.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or causing loss of sensation.
The anaesthetic effect lasted for several hours.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/26 23:42