cautery meaning and definition

CAUTERY noun

Definition of cautery (noun)

1. 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
   • synonyms: cauterant
2. the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
   • synonyms: cauterisation, cauterization