counterirritant

noun

coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce counterirritant (audio)
1
: an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
2
: an irritation or discomfort that diverts attention from another
counterirritant adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterirritant was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near counterirritant

Cite this Entry

“Counterirritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterirritant. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

counterirritant

noun
coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant -ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce counterirritant (audio)
: an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
counterirritant adjective
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