electrocautery

American  

[ih-lek-troh-kaw-tuh-ree] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˈkɔ tə ri /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

plural

electrocauteries

1. a handheld, needlelike cautery heated by an electric current.

2. Also electrocauterization the process of cutting and cauterizing skin simultaneously, or coagulating blood from vessels around a surgical incision, by means of an electrocautery.

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electrocautery British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈkɔːtərɪ /

noun

1. vet science the use of an electrically heated metal instrument for cautery

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Etymology

Origin of electrocautery

First recorded in 1880–85; electro- + cautery

Example Sentences

Open prostatectomy also offers the advantages of tactile feedback; greater access to the surgical field; less need for electrocautery that burns tissues; and absence of concern about equipment failure or inadvertent tissue injury.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2018

When necessary, most doctors remove warts by such medically proved methods as minor surgery, application of caustics, localized freezing or electrocautery.

From Time Magazine Archive