Antipruritic is a term that is often used in the medical field to describe a substance or medication that is used to relieve itching. Itching can be caused by a variety of factors, including insect bites, skin conditions, and allergies. Antipruritics work by blocking the signals that cause itching, providing relief to the affected area.
Definitions
Antipruritic is defined as a substance or medication that is used to relieve itching. It is also known as an anti-itch medication. Antipruritics work by blocking the signals that cause itching, providing relief to the affected area.
Origin
The word antipruritic comes from the Greek words “anti” meaning “against” and “pruritus” meaning “itching”. The term was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antipruritic is defined as “relieving or preventing itching”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines antipruritic as “a substance or medication that relieves itching”.
Associations
Antipruritics are often associated with the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and hives. They are also used to relieve itching caused by insect bites, allergies, and other irritants.
Synonyms
Synonyms for antipruritic include anti-itch medication, anti-itch cream, and anti-itch lotion.
Antonyms
Antonyms for antipruritic include pruritic, itchy, and irritating.
The same root words
The root word of antipruritic is “pruritus”, which means itching. Other words that share this root include prurigo (a skin condition characterized by itching), prurient (having an excessive interest in sexual matters), and prurience (an excessive desire for sexual gratification).
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed an antipruritic cream to relieve the itching caused by the patient’s eczema.
- The antipruritic medication provided immediate relief to the patient’s insect bite.
- The pharmacist recommended an antipruritic lotion to soothe the itching caused by the patient’s allergic reaction.