Narcosis

Advanced 🏥 Healthcare / Medical

Definition

A state of stupor, unconsciousness, or insensibility produced by a drug or anesthetic, particularly nitrogen narcosis experienced by deep-sea divers at significant depths. It creates a euphoric, dreamlike state that impairs judgment and motor control.

Example Usage

The diver had to ascend carefully to avoid nitrogen narcosis, which could have caused him to make dangerous decisions underwater.

Origin

From Greek 'narkōsis,' meaning 'numbness' or 'torpor,' derived from 'narkē' (stupor).

Fun Fact

Nitrogen narcosis, sometimes called 'rapture of the deep,' causes symptoms resembling alcohol intoxication and becomes significant below 30 meters of depth.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms