cauterize Hear it!

cauterize definition

cau·ter·ize (kôt′ər īz′)

transitive verb cauterized -·ized′, cauterizing -·iz′·ing

to burn with a hot needle, a laser, a caustic substance, or an electric current, so as to destroy dead or unwanted tissue, prevent the spread of infection, seal blood vessels, etc.

Etymology: ME cauterizen < LL cauterizare < Gr kautēriazein < kautērion, kautēr, burning or branding iron < kaiein, to burn

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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