adjective, sourer, sourest. 1. having an acid taste, resembling that of vinegar, lemon juice, etc.; tart. 2. rendered acid or affected by fermentation; fermented. 3. producing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is not bitter, salt, or sweet. 4. characteristic of something fermented: a sour smell.
General anesthetics normally are used to produce loss of consciousness before and during surgery. However, for obstetrics (labor and delivery) or certain minor procedures, an anesthetic may be given in small amounts to relieve anxiety or pain without causing unconsciousness.
For 50 years, the most commonly used induction agents were rapidly acting, water-soluble barbiturates such as thiopental, methohexital, and thiamylal. These drugs are not commonly in use today. Propofol, a nonbarbiturate intravenous anesthetic, has displaced barbiturates in many anesthesia practices.