cauterize

cauterize /cau·ter·ize/ (kaw´ter-īz) to apply a cautery; to destroy tissue by the application of heat, cold, or a caustic agent.

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cau·ter·ize (kôt-rz)

v.

To burn or sear with a cautery.

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cauter·i·zation (-tr--zshn) n.

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Cauterize

To use heat or chemicals to stop bleeding, prevent the spread of infection, or destroy tissue.

Mentioned in: Laser Surgery, Retinal Detachment, Snoring

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cauterize

[kô′tərīz]

Etymology: Gk, kauterion, branding iron

1 to burn tissues by thermal heat, including steam, hot metal, or solar radiation; electricity; or another agent such as laser or dry ice, usually with the objective of destroying damaged or diseased tissues, preventing infections, or coagulating blood vessels. See also chemical cauterization.

2 to apply a cautery; to perform cauterization.

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cauterize (kô´trīz),

v to sear or burn living tissue in order to stop bleeding; a corrosive agent, hot metal, or electricity may be used.

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cauterize

verb To stop bleeding with high heat or a chemical–eg, silver nitrate