To identify the words or phrases that provide context for understanding the meaning of "placebo," you could look for clues in the text about the nature of Veda's experience. The three relevant phrases that suggest the meaning of "placebo" in this context are:
- "closing her eyes would make her headache go away"
- "it had worked"
- "she knew now that it was just a placebo effect"
These phrases indicate that Veda experienced relief from her headache due to her belief in her brother's suggestion, highlighting the psychological aspect of the placebo effect—the idea that a person's belief can produce real, physical outcomes.