name Common

des

dehz

Des (name) means a short, informal form of the given name Desmond. Example: “Everyone at the pub knew him simply as Des.”

name

A short, informal form of the given name Desmond.

"Everyone at the pub knew him simply as Des."

noun

Short for desflurane, an inhaled anesthetic used in surgery.

"The anesthesiologist adjusted the dose of des during the procedure."

How to use des

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually a nickname for Desmond; in medicine, shorthand for the anesthetic desflurane.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “des” mean?

The word “des” means a short, informal form of the given name Desmond. In plain terms, usually a nickname for Desmond; in medicine, shorthand for the anesthetic desflurane.

How do you pronounce “des”?

“Des” is pronounced dehz (/dɛz/ in IPA).

How do you use “des” in a sentence?

Here is “des” used in a sentence: “Everyone at the pub knew him simply as Des.”

What part of speech is “des”?

Depending on how it is used, “des” can be a name and a noun.

Is “des” a common word?

“Des” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “des” have?

“Des” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, informal form of the given name Desmond.

Is "Des" short for Desmond?

Yes, "Des" is a short, informal form of the given name Desmond. It is used as a nickname rather than a full formal name.

Does "Des" only refer to the name Desmond?

No. While "Des" is commonly a nickname for Desmond, it is also used as an abbreviation for desflurane, a surgical anaesthetic. The intended meaning depends entirely on context.

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