local anesthetic
Definition
- Noun:
- A substance that causes a reversible loss of sensation (anesthesia) in a specific, limited area of the body without affecting consciousness. It is used to block pain during minor surgical procedures, dental work, or diagnostic tests.
Usage
- As a subject: "The local anesthetic took effect quickly."
- As an object: "The dentist administered a local anesthetic before filling the cavity."
- With prepositions: "The procedure was performed under local anesthetic." / "She received an injection of local anesthetic."
Examples
- "For the skin biopsy, the doctor used a local anesthetic to numb just that small patch of skin."
- "Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic used in dentistry."
- "Unlike general anesthesia, a local anesthetic allows the patient to remain fully awake."
Advanced Usage
- Regional anesthesia: While a local anesthetic typically numbs a very small area (e.g., a single tooth or a small skin lesion), the same class of drugs can be used for , which blocks sensation in a larger but still limited region of the body (e.g., an entire arm or leg). The core mechanism—blocking nerve signals in a targeted area—is the same.
Variants and Related Words
- Local anaesthetic: The British English spelling.
- Local analgesia: A more precise clinical term sometimes used interchangeably, though specifically refers to pain relief, while includes loss of all sensation (touch, temperature, etc.).
- Topical anesthetic: A type of local anesthetic applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes as a cream, spray, or gel.
- Injectable anesthetic: A local anesthetic administered via a needle.
Synonyms
- Nerve block agent (in a clinical context)
- Numbing agent (informal)
Related Phrases
- Under local anesthetic: Describes the state of having the drug administered and being insensate in a specific area.
- "He had the mole removed under local anesthetic."
- Local anesthetic injection: The common method of administering the drug.
- "You will feel a small pinch from the local anesthetic injection."
Noun
-
anesthetic that numbs a particular area of the body
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