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.
Local Anesthesia. With local anesthesia, numbing medication is injected at the site of surgery. The numbing medications can provide from 1 to 24 hours of pain relief, depending on the specific medication used. The muscles controlled by the numbed nerves may also be weak until the medication wears off.