Definition

A tool used in surgery that applies very low temperatures to tissues to freeze them, often for medical treatments.

Example

The doctor used a cryoprobe to treat the tumor by freezing it.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a cryoprobe?

No, I haven't! What is it used for?

It's a surgical tool that uses extreme cold to treat tissues.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how effective it is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cryoprobe → It is formed from "cryo-" (from Greek "kryos", meaning cold) and "probe" (from Latin "probare", meaning to test or examine). The word "cryoprobe" refers to a device used to test or examine tissues at cold temperatures.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cold' ('cryo-') being used to 'test' ('probe') something — that's why a cryoprobe is a tool for examining tissues at low temperatures.

Visually Confused Words