preanesthetic

[ pree-an-uhs-thet-ik, pree-an- ]

noun

1. a substance that produces a preliminary or light anesthesia.

adjective

1. given prior to an anesthetic that induces total insensibility.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preanesthetic¹

First recorded in 1890–95; pre- + anesthetic

Example Sentences

Most notable is a new resolution that requires cardiovascular and preanesthetic assessments to be done before surgery.

From The Guardian

In preanesthetic surgery, minor operations were performed rapidly, beginning just after the patient's attention had been attracted to something else besides the thought of the operation.

From Project Gutenberg

The state of intoxication seems by record of several cases to render birth painless and unconscious, as well as serving as a means of anesthesia in the preanesthetic days.

From Project Gutenberg