adjective.
Causing the reduction of pain sensitivity.
noun.
A substance administered to reduce the perception of pain or to induce numbness. An anesthetic may or may not render the recipient unconscious, depending upon the type used.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
adjective.
characterized by insensibility
adjective.
relating to or producing insensibility
Word Usage
"A local anesthetic is used prior to the procedure, and a mild anesthetic is often mixed into the injection fluid."