Cauterize

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkÉ”təɹaɪz/
• US IPA: ˈkʰɒɾəɹaɪz, ˈkʰɑɾəɹaɪz, ˈkʰɔɾəɹaɪz

Alternative forms

• cauterise

Origin

From Middle French cauteriser, from Late Latin cauterizāre ("to burn with a hot iron"), from Ancient Greek καυτηριάζω ("to brand"), from καυτήρ ("branding iron"), from καίειν ("to burn").

Full definition of cauterize

Verb

1. To burn, sear, or freeze tissue using a hot iron, electric current or a caustic agent.