cautery

[ kaw-tuh-ree ]

noun

, plural cau·ter·ies.

1. an escharotic substance, electric current, or hot iron used to destroy tissue.
2. the process of destroying tissue with a cautery.

cautery

/ ˈkɔːtərɪ /

noun

1. the coagulation of blood or destruction of body tissue by cauterizing
2. Also calledcauterant an instrument or chemical agent for cauterizing

cautery

/ kô′tə-rē /

1. An agent or instrument used to destroy tissue, as in surgery, by burning, searing, cutting, or scarring, including caustic substances, electric currents, and lasers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautery¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin cautērium < Greek kautḗrion, equivalent to kautḗr branding iron ( cauterize ) + -ion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautery¹

C14: from Old French cautère, from Latin cautērium; see cauterize

Example Sentences

The procedure is said to be faster than other ablation techniques like cautery or freezing, and less likely to damage the esophagus, which lies next to the atrium.

From New York Times

Dermatologists can cut them off, freeze them with liquid nitrogen or burn them with an electrical cautery device.

From Seattle Times

Authorities say the branding was done using a cautery pen without anesthesia by a doctor who is now under investigation by state health officials.

From The Guardian

The lawsuit alleges Ticho used instruments, including a needle, scissors and cautery pen on her left eye, causing her pain, despite Dryfhout asking him to stop.

From Washington Times

The cautery device being used on Coughlin had a battery backup, but the surgical staff still couldn’t see.

From Washington Times