WordWeb Online

1. An instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (e.g., removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it
   - cauterant
    
2. The act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
   - cauterization, cauterisation [Brit]

Derived forms: cauteries

Type of: instrument, op [informal], operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process

Encyclopedia: Cautery