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sedative (sedīә-tiv)   decreasing irritability, excitement, or nervousness.
  an agent that does this. The usual mode of action is depression of the central nervous system, which tends to reduce mental activity. Sedatives are distinct from tranquilizers, which also have a calming effect but usually do not suppress bodily reactions. Sedatives may be classified according to the organ most affected, such as cardiac, gastric, and so on. Called also calmative.




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