Antalgesic

/ˌæntælˈdʒɛsɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or producing relief from pain; pain-relieving.

Etymology

From Greek anti- 'against' + algesis 'sense of pain' (from algos 'pain'). The suffix -ic marks it as an adjective. This is a variant or older form of 'analgesic' with the prefix more transparently shown.

Kelly Says

This is essentially an older or more literal version of 'analgesic'—you can actually see the Greek anti- 'against' and algesis 'pain' combined, while analgesic hides the same meaning under a slightly different spelling. Following etymology is like solving ancient word puzzles.

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