cauterize

[ kaw-tuh-rahyz ]
See synonyms for cauterize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),cau·ter·ized, cau·ter·iz·ing.
  1. to burn with a hot iron, electric current, fire, or a caustic, especially for curative purposes; treat with a cautery.

Origin of cauterize

1
1350–1400; Middle English <Late Latin cautērizāre to brand, equivalent to cautēr- (<Greek kautḗr branding iron, equivalent to kau-, variant stem of kaíein to burn (cf. caustic), + -tēr agent suffix) + -izāre-ize
  • Also especially British, cau·ter·ise .

Other words from cauterize

  • cau·ter·i·za·tion, noun
  • un·cau·ter·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cauterize in a sentence

  • For a time there was enthusiastic cutting of septal spurs and burning of redundant mucosa and cauterizing of sensitive areas.

    The Treatment of Hay Fever | George Frederick Laidlaw
  • Cauterizing wounds to prevent inflammation is not uncommon, and does not affect the patient much.

  • No danger will result from cauterizing to a depth of three-fourths of an inch in the average case.

    Lameness of the Horse | John Victor Lacroix
  • The water was very cauterizing, and covered their legs and feet with boils and sores.

  • Some writers advocate cauterizing the wound with a hot iron; but, whatever is done, do quickly, and do not be afraid.

    On the Trail | Lina Beard and Adelia Belle Beard

British Dictionary definitions for cauterize

cauterize

cauterise

/ (ˈkɔːtəˌraɪz) /


verb
  1. (tr) (esp in the treatment of a wound) to burn or sear (body tissue) with a hot iron or caustic agent

Origin of cauterize

1
C14: from Old French cauteriser, from Late Latin cautērizāre, from cautērium branding iron, from Greek kautērion, from kaiein to burn

Derived forms of cauterize

  • cauterization or cauterisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cauterize

cauterize

[ tə-rīz′ ]


  1. To burn or sear with a cautery, as in surgical procedures.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.