analgesic

1 of 2

noun

an·​al·​ge·​sic ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik 

-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

Synonyms

Noun

• sedative
• painkiller
• anesthetic
• tranquilizer

Examples of analgesic in a Sentence

Noun

the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its pill, called Tonyma, is a nonopioid analgesic designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. —Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The drug breaks ground as the first and only in a category of non-opioid analgesics to treat fibromyalgia. —New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025

Adjective

An analgesic medication that works in the brain to reduce mild to moderate pain by increasing the body’s pain threshold and changing the way the body senses pain. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

This analgesic effect can be particularly beneficial after strenuous activities. —Emily Peck, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025

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

Medical Definition

analgesic

1 of 2 adjective

an·​al·​ge·​sic -ˈjē-zik  -sik 

: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia

analgesic

2 of 2 noun

: an agent for producing analgesia