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Cauterize: meaning, definitions and examples

πŸ”₯
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cauterize

 

[ ˈkɔːtΙ™raΙͺz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical procedure

To cauterize means to burn a part of the body to remove or close off a part of it. This procedure is often used to stop bleeding, prevent infection, or remove abnormal tissue. Cauterization can be performed using heat or chemicals and is a common practice in surgeries. The method is effective in sealing wounds and cutting off blood supply to certain areas, promoting healing.

Synonyms

burn, scorch, sear.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon decided to cauterize the wound to prevent excessive bleeding.
  • After the injury, the doctor used a cauterizing tool to close the cut.
  • Cauterizing tissue helps in reducing the risk of infection.
  • In medieval times, doctors cauterized wounds to prevent infections.

Etymology

The term 'cauterize' originates from the Greek word 'kauterion', which means 'branding iron'. It was later adopted into Latin as 'cauterium'. The practice of cauterization dates back to ancient civilizations where it was used in various medical procedures to treat wounds and prevent infections. In ancient Greece, physicians employed heated instruments to stop bleeding by burning tissues. By the Middle Ages, cauterization had become a common practice in surgery, especially in battlefield medicine to prevent blood loss and reduce the chances of gangrene. Over the centuries, the techniques and tools for cauterization have evolved, but the fundamental principle of using heat or chemicals to burn tissue remains a critical method in modern medical practices.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,951, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.