noun

anaesthetic

anesthetic

The dentist gave me a local anaesthetic.

The dentist gave me a local anesthetic.

He was put under a general anaesthetic for the operation.

He was put under a general anesthetic for the operation.

a local/general anesthetic a substance used to stop you feeling pain in a part of or the whole of your body. The dentist gave me a local anesthetic.

Synonyms: painkiller, numbing agent; Antonyms: stimulant

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'aisthēsis' (sensation). It literally means 'without sensation'.

Think 'an-esthetic' -> 'no feeling'. Like when you can't feel art (esthetics), this substance makes you unable to feel pain.

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