Definition

A medical procedure that uses a heated instrument powered by electricity to burn or cut tissue, often to stop bleeding or remove tissue.

Example

The surgeon used electrocautery to control the bleeding during the operation.

Conversation

I heard they used electrocautery during the surgery to stop the bleeding.

Really? That sounds pretty advanced and efficient.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how they can use heat to cauterize tissue.

I know! Medical technology has come a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electrocautery is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "cautery" (from Greek "kautērion", meaning a branding iron or instrument for burning). The word refers to a method that uses electricity to burn tissue for surgical purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') being used to 'burn' ('cautery') tissue in medical procedures.

Visually Confused Words