narcosis

noun nar·co·sis \ när-ˈkō-səs \

Definition of narcosis

plural narcoses play \när-ˈkō-ˌsēz\

: a state of stupor, unconsciousness, or arrested activity produced by the influence of narcotics or other chemical or physical agents — compare nitrogen narcosis

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Recent Examples of narcosis from the Web

Even experts risk equipment failures, insufficient decompression, and the dangerous confusion induced by nitrogen narcosis.

— nick romeo, National Geographic, "How Archaeologists Discovered 23 Shipwrecks in 22 Days," 11 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'narcosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of narcosis

New Latin, from Greek narkōsis, action of benumbing, from narkoun

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1671

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

narcosis

noun nar·co·sis \ när-ˈkō-səs \

medical Definition of narcosis

plural narcoses play \-ˌsēz\

: a state of stupor, unconsciousness, or arrested activity produced by the influence of narcotics or other chemicals or physical agents — see nitrogen narcosis