tourniquet
UK: ˈtʊənɪkeɪ | US: ˈtɜːrnɪkɪt
n. a device, typically a tightly wrapped bandage, used to stop severe bleeding by applying pressure to a limb
n. (historical) a turnstile or similar rotating mechanism
tourniquet = tourn<turn> + iquet<diminutive suffix>
- tourn<turn>: From Old French tourner ("to turn"), derived from Latin tornare ("to turn on a lathe"), ultimately from Greek tornos ("lathe, tool for drawing circles").
- iquet<diminutive suffix>: A French suffix indicating a small or instrumental form, akin to -et or -ette.
Etymology Origin:
The word tourniquet originated in 17th-century French, initially referring to a "turnstile" or "small turning device." Its medical sense emerged from the twisting motion used to tighten early versions of the device (e.g., a stick twisted into a bandage). The Latin root tornare reflects circular motion, linking to the mechanical action of tightening.
The medic applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from the soldier’s wound.
In emergencies, a belt can serve as an improvised tourniquet.
The old castle’s entrance had a wooden tourniquet to control visitor flow.
Proper tourniquet use requires training to avoid tissue damage.
She loosened the tourniquet slightly to restore circulation.