
Anesthetic - Wikipedia
An anesthetic (American English) or anaesthetic (British English; see spelling differences) is a drug used to induce anesthesia — in other words, to result in a temporary loss of sensation or awareness.
Anesthesia: What It Is, Side Effects, Risks & Types
May 30, 2023 · Different types of anesthesia work in different ways. Some anesthetic medications numb certain parts of your body. Other anesthetics numb your brain so you can sleep through more …
4 Types of Anesthesia and How They're Used - Verywell Health
Sep 5, 2025 · Anesthesia is commonly characterized into four main types: general, regional, local, and sedation (monitored anesthesia care, or MAC). The choice of anesthesia depends on factors such as …
Anesthetic | Definition, Types, & History | Britannica
anesthetic, any agent that produces a local or general loss of sensation, including pain. Anesthetics achieve this effect by acting on the brain or peripheral nervous system to suppress responses to …
General anesthesia - Mayo Clinic
Jan 17, 2025 · General anesthesia usually uses a combination of medicines given through a vein and inhaled gases. You'll feel as though you're asleep. But general anesthesia does more than put you to …
Anesthesia - National Institute of General Medical Sciences
May 20, 2025 · Anesthesia is a medical intervention that prevents patients from feeling pain during procedures like surgery, certain screening and diagnostic tests, tissue sample removal (e.g., skin …
Anesthesia - MedlinePlus
Sep 30, 2025 · Medicine may be given by injection, inhalation, topical lotion, spray, eye drops, or a skin patch. Anesthesia can cause a loss of feeling, awareness, or both. Sedation may be used with …
ANESTHETIC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of ANESTHETIC is of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia. How to use anesthetic in a sentence.
What is anaesthesia? | Association of Anaesthetists
Anaesthesia is given to patients so that surgery and other medical procedures can be carried out safely, and without pain. The word anaesthesia means ‘loss of sensation’. People under anaesthetic will …
ANAESTHETIC | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
ANAESTHETIC definition: 1. a substance that makes you unable to feel pain: 2. mainly UK spelling of anesthetic. Learn more.