SUBNARCOTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Subnarcotic refers to a substance or drug that possesses properties and effects similar to narcotics but to a lesser degree. It is a term used to describe medications or substances that have a milder or partial narcotic effect. The prefix "sub" denotes "under" or "less than," indicating that the substance falls beneath the threshold of a full narcotic.
These substances may exhibit analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, induce sedation, or create a sense of euphoria, yet they are less potent or addictive than narcotics. Subnarcotics are often used in medical settings to manage pain or discomfort, particularly when stronger narcotic medications are not warranted or desirable. They can include medications such as codeine, which is less potent than morphine, or some benzodiazepines like Valium, which have sedative properties but are not classified as narcotics.
It is crucial to distinguish between subnarcotics and narcotics because they have different levels of efficacy and potential risks. Subnarcotics are generally considered safer options due to their reduced potency and lower addictive potential. However, while they are less addictive, they still need to be used cautiously and under medical supervision to prevent dependency or misuse.
In summary, subnarcotic refers to substances that possess narcotic-like effects but to a lesser extent. They are milder in potency, providing pain relief, sedation, or euphoria while carrying a reduced risk of addiction compared to full narcotics.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUBNARCOTIC
- aubnarcotic
- zubnarcotic
- xubnarcotic
- dubnarcotic
- eubnarcotic
- wubnarcotic
- sybnarcotic
- shbnarcotic
- sjbnarcotic
- sibnarcotic
- s8bnarcotic
- s7bnarcotic
- suvnarcotic
- sunnarcotic
- suhnarcotic
- sugnarcotic
- subbarcotic
- submarcotic
- subjarcotic
- subharcotic
Etymology of SUBNARCOTIC
The word "subnarcotic" is ultimately derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The prefix "sub-" comes from the Latin word "sub", meaning "under" or "below".
The word "narcotic" comes from the Greek "narkōtikós", derived from "nárkē" meaning "numbness" or "torpor". It refers to a substance that can induce sleep, relieve pain, or produce a state of stupor or insensibility.
When these roots are combined, "subnarcotic" literally means "under or below the state of numbness or torpor". The term is often used to describe substances that have a less potent effect than a true narcotic, such as mild painkillers or sedatives.
