anesthetist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, an 'anaesthetist' is a medical doctor. In the United States, an 'anesthetist' is usually a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), which is an advanced practice nursing role, not a physician.

Both are correct, but they are regional variants. 'Anaesthetist' is British English. 'Anesthetist' is American English. More importantly, the professional denoted by each term differs between the regions.

In American English, an 'anesthesiologist' is a medical doctor (physician) specializing in anesthesia. An 'anesthetist' (usually a CRNA) is a nurse with advanced training in anesthesia who often works under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, though in some states they can practice independently.

Yes, in the United States and some other countries, a nurse with specific advanced certification in anesthesia is precisely called a nurse anesthetist. In the UK, a nurse performing similar functions would not be called an 'anaesthetist'; they would be called an 'anaesthetic nurse' or 'operating department practitioner' to avoid confusion with the physician role.

A medical specialist, especially a nurse, trained to administer anaesthetics and monitor patients under anaesthesia.

Anesthetist is usually medical / technical in register.

Anesthetist: in British English it is pronounced /əˈniːs.θə.tɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnɛs.θə.tɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.