anodyne

²anodyne

noun

Definition of ANODYNE

1

: something that soothes, calms, or comforts <the anodyne of bridge, a comfortable book, or sport — Harrison Smith>

2

: a drug that allays pain

Examples of ANODYNE

1. <the dentist prescribed an anodyne after the root canal>
2. <as an anodyne for the stress and superficiality of the modern world, there's nothing better than reading a literary classic of substance and insight>

First Known Use of ANODYNE

circa 1550

Related to ANODYNE

Synonyms: analgesic, anesthetic, painkiller

Related Words: sedative, tranquilizer (also tranquillizer); narcotic, opiate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum