Cauterant (Noun)
Meaning
An instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The dermatologist applied a cauterant to the surface of the skin growth to remove it.
- Liquid nitrogen is a commonly used cauterant for the removal of certain skin lesions.
- The doctor carefully dipped the instrument in disinfectant before using it as a cauterant to remove the infected tissue.
- The ancient Egyptians used a hot iron as a cauterant to treat certain medical conditions, including snake bites.
- A mild acid solution served as a cauterant to remove the abnormal cells and promote healing.