| tranquil | Quiet; calm; undisturbed; peaceful; not agitated; as, the atmosphere is tranquil; the condition of the country is tranquil. "A style clear, tranquil, easy to follow." (De Quincey) Origin: L. Tranquillus; probably fr. Trans across, over + a word akin to quietus quiet: cf. F. Tranquille. See Quiet. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| tranquilliser | <pharmacology> A medication with a calming, soothing effect that relieves anxiety. Most sedatives can also promote sleep. Overdosage of a sedative medication can lead to dangerous respiratory depression (slowed breathing). A large group of medications with sedative effects are the benzodiazepines. The first tranquilliser librium (chlordiazepoxidehydrochloride) was developed by the Hoffman-la Roche in 1958. The word tranquillise entered the english language much earlier (1623), and was derived from the latin tranquillus via the french tranquille meaning calm. Examples include: diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, alprazolam, clonazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, flurazepam, oxazepam, clorazepate and triazolam. (04 Jul 2000) |
| tranquillising agent | <pharmacology> A traditional grouping of drugs said to have a soothing or calming effect on mood, thought, or behaviour. Included here are the anti-anxiety agents (minor tranquillisers), antimanic agents, and the antipsychotic agents (major tranquillisers). These drugs act by different mechanisms and are used for different therapeutic purposes. (04 Jul 2000) |