local anesthetic

local anesthetic n.

1. An agent that, when applied directly to mucous membranes or when injected about the nerves, produces loss of sensation by inhibiting nerve excitation or conduction.

The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. Related Words for local anesthetic opiate, shot, dope, gas, soporific, analgesic, anodyne, hypnosis, inhalant, spinal local anesthetic in Culture local anesthetic

An anesthetic that causes loss of sensation only to the area to which it is applied. (Compare general anesthetic.)

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