anesthesia

noun

an·​es·​the·​sia ˌa-nəs-ˈthē-zhə 

1

: loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness

The patient was given intravenous medication to induce anesthesia.

… doctors freeze the tumor with little coils filled with liquid nitrogen that are inserted in the prostate under anesthesia.

—Andy Grove

Awareness during anesthesia is a serious complication with potential long-term psychological consequences.

—Michael S. Avidan et al.

We often radiograph dogs when they are under anesthesia for spaying or neutering or other routine procedures.

—Bonnie Wilcox

see also general anesthesia, local anesthesia

2

: an agent that produces anesthesia : anesthetic

A capnometer measures the amount of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, thereby insuring that the tubes bringing oxygen and anesthesia to the patient are properly placed.

—Lisa Belkin

She was still groggy from her anesthesia, and she had an I.V. tube in her arm.

—The New Yorker

These substances [=endorphins], which have been identified in recent years through research on brain chemistry, act as a natural anesthesia that can lessen extreme pain.

—Norman Cousins

Examples of anesthesia in a Sentence

The patient was given an injection to induce anesthesia.

Recent Examples on the Web

This simple, 15-minute procedure, which is performed under anesthesia, helps your ears drain fluid and regulate pressure. —Blane Bachelor, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

Yariv Levin, deputy prime minister and minister of justice, will fill in as prime minister while Netanyahu is under anesthesia, the office said. —Jordana Miller, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2024

Netanyahu’s office said the hernia was discovered during a routine checkup, and that the prime minister will be under full anesthesia and unconscious for the procedure. —Yarden Segev, NBC News, 31 Mar. 2024

These include anesthetics and anesthesia machines, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and water filtration systems. —Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024

Patients report less nausea and a quicker recovery with less anesthesia. —Meirav Devash, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024

Some risks associated with liposuction include internal punctures, fat embolisms, kidney and heart problems, in addition to negative reactions to anesthesia. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 22 Feb. 2024

Indeed, the coach’s demeanor gives credence to the view that working for him was about as enjoyable as a colonoscopy without anesthesia. —Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024

Internal abscesses are typically treated under anesthesia where a doctor will use a catheter to drain the abscess. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek anaisthēsia insensibility, from a- + aisthēsis perception, from aisthanesthai to perceive — more at audible

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anesthesia

• general anesthesia
• local anesthesia

Kids Definition

anesthesia

noun

an·​es·​the·​sia ˌan-əs-ˈthē-zhə 

: loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness

Medical Definition

anesthesia

noun

an·​es·​the·​sia

variants or chiefly British anaesthesia

ˌan-əs-ˈthē-zhə 

1

: loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness that is artificially produced by the administration of one or more agents that block the passage of pain impulses along nerve pathways to the brain

… doctors freeze the tumor with little coils filled with liquid nitrogen that are inserted in the prostate under anesthesia.

—Andy Grove

Awareness during anesthesia is a serious complication with potential long-term psychological consequences.

—Michael S. Avidan et al.

see general anesthesia, local anesthesia

2

: loss of sensation especially to touch usually resulting from injury or disease

3

: an agent that produces anesthesia : anesthetic

During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia, which are medicines given to relieve pain and sensation during surgery.

—HopkinsMedicine.org

A capnometer measures the amount of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, thereby insuring that the tubes bringing oxygen and anesthesia to the patient are properly placed.

—Lisa Belkin