anodyne

& a. [In Fr. anodin; Sp., Port., & Ital. anodino. From Gr. ἀνώδυνος ( anōdunos ) = free from pain; av (an), priv., and ὀδύνη (odune) = grief, pain.] A. As substantive: 1. Med.: A medicine which alleviates pain, though, if given in too large doses, it induces stupor. Garrod arranges anodynes with narcotics and soporifics together thus:-Cla II. Medicines whose principal effects are upon the nervous system. Sub-cla I. Medicines acting especially upon the brain proper; but probably also upon other portions of the central nervous system. Order 1. Exhilarants. Order 2. Narcotics, Anodynes, and Soporifics. Order 3. Anæsthetics. Opium is soporific and anodyne; whilst belladonna is anodyne and anti-spasmodic. "He had at his command an immense dispensary of anodynes for wounded consciences."- Macaulay : Hist. Eng . , chap. vi. B. As adjective: Mitigating or a uaging pain. ". whilst anodyne , emollient, or gently laxative enemata should be administered."-Dr. Joseph Browne: Cyclop. Pract. Med., vol. ii., p. 228.