obtund

verb

ob·​tund äb-ˈtənd How to pronounce obtund (audio)
obtunded; obtunding; obtunds

transitive verb

: to reduce the edge or violence of : dull
obtunded reflexes

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin obtundere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obtund was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near obtund

Cite this Entry

“Obtund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obtund. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

obtund

transitive verb
ob·​tund äb-ˈtənd How to pronounce obtund (audio)
: to reduce the intensity or sensitivity of : make dull
obtunded reflexes
agents that obtund pain

More from Merriam-Webster on obtund

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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