cauterize

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To burn and hence seal open tissue using a heated article or caustic agent so as to stop bleeding or minimise the risk of infection.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔːtəɹaɪz/ /ˈkoːtəɹɑjz/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cauterize.wav /ˈkɔtəɹaɪz/ [ˈkʰɔɾəɹaɪz] /ˈkɑtəɹaɪz/ [ˈkʰɑɾəɹaɪz] /ˈkoːtəɹɑez/ /ˈkɔtəɾaɪz/ /ˈkɔːtəɾaɪz/

Word forms

cauterize cauterizes cauterizing cauterized cauterise

Etymology

From Middle French cauteriser, from Late Latin cauterizō (“to burn with a hot iron”), from Ancient Greek καυτηριάζω (kautēriázō, “to brand”), from καυτήρ (kautḗr, “branding iron”), from καίω (kaíō, “to burn”).

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