cautery

/ˈkɔdəri/

Other forms: cauteries

Definitions of cautery

1. noun

   the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
   synonyms: cauterisation, cauterization

   types:

   cryocautery

   application of a substance that destroys tissue by freezing it

   thermocautery

   cautery (destruction of tissue) by heat

   electrocautery

   application of a needle heated by an electric current to destroy tissue (as to remove warts)

   type of:

   operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process

   a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body
2. noun

   an instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it
   synonyms: cauterant

   types:

   cryocautery

   an instrument for destroying tissue by freezing it

   searing iron

   a hot iron used to destroy tissue

   type of:

   instrument

   a device that requires skill for proper use