counterirritant

noun

coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce counterirritant (audio)
1
: an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
2
: an irritation or discomfort that diverts attention from another
counterirritant adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterirritant was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near counterirritant

Cite this Entry

“Counterirritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterirritant. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

counterirritant

noun
coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant -ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce counterirritant (audio)
: an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
counterirritant adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!