cauterize Hear it!

cauterize Definition

cau·ter·ize (kôt′ər īz′)

transitive verb cauterized -·ized′, cauterizing -·iz′·ing

to burn with a hot needle, a laser, a caustic substance, or an electric current, so as to destroy dead or unwanted tissue, prevent the spread of infection, seal blood vessels, etc.

Etymology: ME cauterizen < LL cauterizare < Gr kautēriazein < kautērion, kautēr, burning or branding iron < kaiein, to burn

Related Forms:

cauterize Synonyms

cauterize

v.

disinfect by burning, sear, singe; see burn 2, clean.

cauterize Usage Examples

Object

  • wound: He reaches Ella just in time, and remembering some forgotten movie he decides to cauterize the wound with the Knife Of Orokiah.