anesthetic

Definition / meaning of anesthetic

A drug or other substance that causes a loss of feeling or awareness. Local anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in one small area of the body. Regional anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in a part of the body, such as an arm or leg. General anesthetics cause a loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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