/sed"euh tiv/ , adj.
1. tending to calm or soothe.
2. allaying irritability or excitement; assuaging pain; lowering functional activity.
n.
3. a sedative drug or agent.
[ 1375-1425; late ME (adj.) ( sédatif ) sedativus, equiv. to L sedat ( us ) (see SEDATE) + -ivus -IVE ]