Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a substance that produces anesthesia, as halothane, procaine, or ether.
adjective
- pertaining to or causing physical insensibility: an anesthetic gas.
- physically insensitive: Halothane is used to produce an anesthetic state.
noun, adjective
- the usual US spelling of anaesthetic
alternative spelling of anaesthetic (q.v.). See ae.
n.
- An agent that reversibly depresses neuronal function, producing total or partial loss of sensation.
adj.
- Characterized by the loss of sensation.
- Capable of producing a loss of sensation.
- Associated with or due to the state of anesthesia.
- A drug that temporarily depresses neuronal function, producing total or partial loss of sensation with or without the loss of consciousness.
A substance that causes loss of sensation or consciousness. With the aid of an anesthetic, people can undergo surgery without pain. (See general anesthetic and local anesthetic.)