hemostat
UK: ˈhiːməʊstæt | US: ˈhiːmoʊstæt
n. a surgical instrument used to clamp blood vessels to control bleeding.
hemostat = hemo<blood> + stat<standing/stoppage>
- hemo: From Greek haima (blood), used in medical terms to denote blood-related functions.
- stat: From Greek statos (standing, stoppage), indicating a device that halts or controls something (e.g., thermostat controls temperature).
Etymology Origin:
The word hemostat combines hemo (blood) and stat (stoppage), reflecting its function as a device to stop blood flow during surgery. The Greek roots highlight its medical and mechanical nature, with stat appearing in other scientific terms (e.g., thermostat). The term emerged in the 19th century alongside advances in surgical tools.
The surgeon applied a hemostat to the bleeding artery.
Hemostats are essential in both emergency and routine surgeries.
After clamping the vessel with a hemostat, the nurse handed the scissors to the doctor.
Modern hemostats are designed for precision and minimal tissue damage.
The veterinary clinic stocked disposable hemostats for minor procedures.