noun

tourniquet

TOOR-nih-kay

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Tourniquet (noun) means a tight band or device wrapped around a limb to stop severe bleeding by cutting off blood flow. Example: “The medic applied a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding.”

noun

A tight band or device wrapped around a limb to stop severe bleeding by cutting off blood flow.

"After he was done, Lillehei's assistants released the tourniquet around Gregory's venae cavae, allowing blood to return." — Sandeep Jauhar, Heart: a History (2018)

"The medic applied a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding."

How to use tourniquet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tight band used in emergencies to stop heavy bleeding from a limb.

Common pairings

apply a tourniquet improvised tourniquet

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: tourniquets
Third person singular: tourniquets
Past tense: tourniqueted, tourniquetted

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Can you complete this real example?

The medic applied a _____ above the wound to stop the bleeding.

Etymology

From French tourniquet, related to tourner ("to turn"), referring to how the band is twisted tight.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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compression bandage

Rhymes for tourniquet

duet minuet bouquet racquet croquet banquet

See all rhymes for tourniquet →

Frequently asked questions

What does “tourniquet” mean?

The word “tourniquet” means a tight band or device wrapped around a limb to stop severe bleeding by cutting off blood flow. In plain terms, a tight band used in emergencies to stop heavy bleeding from a limb.

How do you pronounce “tourniquet”?

“Tourniquet” is pronounced TOOR-nih-kay (/ˈtɝ.nɪ.kɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “tourniquet” in a sentence?

Here is “tourniquet” used in a sentence: “The medic applied a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding.”

What part of speech is “tourniquet”?

“Tourniquet” is a noun.

Where does the word “tourniquet” come from?

The word “tourniquet” comes from French. From French tourniquet, related to tourner ("to turn"), referring to how the band is twisted tight.