verb
cauterize
KAW-tuh-ryz
Cauterize (verb) means to seal a wound by burning it with heat or a chemical agent, usually to stop bleeding or prevent infection. Example: “The surgeon cauterized the incision to stop the bleeding.”
verb
1
To seal a wound by burning it with heat or a chemical agent, usually to stop bleeding or prevent infection.
"The surgeon cauterized the incision to stop the bleeding."
How to use cauterize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo seal a wound shut using heat, mainly a medical procedure.
Common pairings
cauterize a wound
cauterize the skin
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- cauterizes
- Past tense
- cauterized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon _____ the incision to stop the bleeding.
Etymology
From Late Latin cauterizare, "to burn with a hot iron," from Greek kauterion, "branding iron."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cauterize
See all rhymes for cauterize →Frequently asked questions
What does “cauterize” mean?
The word “cauterize” means to seal a wound by burning it with heat or a chemical agent, usually to stop bleeding or prevent infection. In plain terms, to seal a wound shut using heat, mainly a medical procedure.
How do you pronounce “cauterize”?
“Cauterize” is pronounced KAW-tuh-ryz (/ˈkɔːtəɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “cauterize” in a sentence?
Here is “cauterize” used in a sentence: “The surgeon cauterized the incision to stop the bleeding.”
What part of speech is “cauterize”?
“Cauterize” is a verb.
Where does the word “cauterize” come from?
The word “cauterize” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin cauterizare, "to burn with a hot iron," from Greek kauterion, "branding iron.".
