cauterize
UK: ˈkɔːtəraɪz | US: ˈkɔːtəraɪz
vt. to burn or sear (a wound or tissue) with heat or a chemical agent to stop bleeding or prevent infection
vt. to make or become insensitive or callous
cauterize = cauter<burn> + ize<verb suffix>
- cauter (from Latin cauterium, "burning iron," derived from Greek kautērion < kaiein, "to burn")
- ize (verb-forming suffix indicating "to make or become," from Greek -izein)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to ancient medical practices where wounds were sealed with heated instruments. The Greek root kaiein (to burn) evolved into Latin cauterium, referring to the tool used for burning tissue. The suffix -ize was later added in English to form the verb, reflecting the action of applying heat or chemicals to tissue. The logic mirrors the physical process: "burning to seal or sterilize."
The surgeon had to cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding.
Ancient physicians cauterized infections with hot metal rods.
Repeated failures had cauterized his optimism over time.
The veterinarian cauterized the dog’s injured paw.
Chemical agents can cauterize tissue without direct heat.