analgesic

1 of 2

noun

an·​al·​ge·​sic ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik How to pronounce analgesic (audio)
-sik
: an agent producing diminished sensation to pain without loss of consciousness : a drug that is used to relieve pain and produce analgesia
opioid analgesics
a topical analgesic
Aspirin and acetaminophen are the oral analgesics of first choice in the treatment of mild to moderate pain caused by cancer.William T. McGivney et al.

analgesic

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia : relieving or lessening pain without loss of consciousness
Ginger, a member of the same plant family as turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory compounds and volatile oils … that show analgesic and sedative effects in animal studies.Anahad O'Connor
analgesic drugs
a topical analgesic cream
also : caused by the use of analgesics
analgesic nephropathy

Examples of analgesic in a Sentence

Noun the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
May Reduce Inflammation Carom seeds have potent analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory properties. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Hemp contains cannabinoids like CBD and CBN, which have relaxing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antidepressant properties that may be useful for helping insomnia, reducing anxiety, and inducing a sense of calm. Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
These remedies involve using plants with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties to soothe sore, achy gums and painful teeth.16 Garlic A staple in kitchens worldwide, garlic may temporarily relieve tooth pain and protect against cavities and gum disease. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Sep. 2024 The standalone analgesic effect that mindfulness produces could be leveraged to help people living with painful conditions. New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for analgesic 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

noun derivative of analgesic entry 2

Adjective

analgesia + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of analgesic was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near analgesic

Cite this Entry

“Analgesic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analgesic. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

analgesic

1 of 2 adjective
an·​al·​ge·​sic -ˈjē-zik How to pronounce analgesic (audio) -sik How to pronounce analgesic (audio)
: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia

analgesic

2 of 2 noun
: an agent for producing analgesia

More from Merriam-Webster on analgesic

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