Counterirritant

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A therapeutic agent that alleviates soreness by creating a slight irritation in a different part of the body
2. A medication that reduces pain by inducing a mild inflammatory response in a separate area
3. A substance used in pain relief that provokes irritation in another body region to soothe discomfort in the primary area

Etymology: A counterirritant works by provoking a milder irritation to draw attention away from a deeper pain, which is why the name pairs "counter-" with "irritant." The prefix "counter-" comes from Latin "contra," meaning "against" or "opposite," so the word literally describes something that acts against an irritation. "Irritant" comes from Latin "irritare," meaning "to provoke" or "to excite," and it entered English as a term for anything that stirs up or inflames tissue. The logic is a form of distraction. A mustard plaster, a liniment with menthol, or a heating rub causes a sensation on the skin strong enough that the nerves carrying it appear to compete with the signals of an aching joint or muscle. The sensation of warmth or sting overrides the sensation of pain, so the discomfort feels reduced even though the underlying condition is unchanged.

Synonyms: irritant, stimulus, aggravator, annoyer, provocateur