general anaesthesia

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Word: General Anaesthesia

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: General anaesthesia is a medical term that refers to a state of total unconsciousness. It is achieved using special medication (anesthetic drugs) so that a person does not feel pain or remember anything during major surgeries or medical procedures.

Usage Instructions

• When to use: You use the term "general anaesthesia" when talking about surgery or medical treatments. It is mainly used in a medical context.
• Who uses it: Doctors, nurses, and patients discussing surgical procedures.

Example Sentences

1. "The patient was put under general anaesthesia before the surgery started."
2. "General anaesthesia allows the surgeon to perform complex operations without causing the patient discomfort."

Advanced Usage

• In medical discussions, you might hear about "induction of general anaesthesia," which means starting the process to make a patient unconscious.
• The term "anesthetic" refers to the drugs used to achieve general anaesthesia.

Word Variants

• Anaesthetic (or Anesthetic): This can be used as a noun (the drug itself) or an adjective (describing something that causes anaesthesia).
• Local anaesthesia: This is a different type where only a small area of the body is numbed, and the person stays awake.

Different Meanings

• In everyday language, "anaesthesia" refers to loss of sensation, but "general anaesthesia" is specific to complete unconsciousness for surgery.

Synonyms

• Unconsciousness: Not awake or aware.
• Sedation: A less intense state of calmness where a person may still be aware but relaxed.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "general anaesthesia," as it is a specific medical term. However, you might hear phrases like "put under" when referring to someone being given general anaesthesia.

Summary

"General anaesthesia" is a term you will encounter in medical settings, specifically related to surgeries.

Academic

Noun

1. a state of total unconsciousness resulting from anesthetic drugs (as for a major surgical operation)

Synonyms

• general anesthesia