Electronarcosis

/ɪˌlɛktroʊnɑːrˈkoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A state of unconsciousness or anesthesia produced by applying electrical current through the brain.

Etymology

From electro- + narcosis (Greek 'narke' meaning 'numbness' + '-osis' meaning 'condition'). Emerged in early-to-mid 20th century as researchers experimented with electrical medical applications.

Kelly Says

Electronarcosis is an unsettling historical curiosity—early 20th century researchers thought electricity could be used for anesthesia, but it was unpredictable and dangerous, which is why we use drugs instead.

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