counterirritant

noun

coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈir-ə-tənt 

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

Medical Definition

counterirritant

noun

coun·​ter·​ir·​ri·​tant -ˈir-ə-tənt 

: an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures

counterirritant adjective