noun

anesthetic

anaesthetic

The dentist injected an anesthetic.

The dentist injected an anaesthetic.

Spinal anesthetics are used for some surgeries.

Spinal anaesthetics are used for some surgeries.

((as a noun)) a substance that induces insensitivity to pain The doctor administered the anaesthetic.

Synonyms: painkiller, numbing agent

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

An anesthetic is the *substance* that causes anaesthesia (the state). The '-ic' ending can refer to a substance, like 'acid'.

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