A burning or branding implement; a tool used to cauterize wounds or apply heat to tissue.
From Latin cauter (branding iron) related to Greek kauter (burning, hot). The root is from kaiein (to burn). Used in medical contexts since ancient times.
Ancient surgeons used actual irons heated in fire—this is where surgeons got the nickname 'burn doctors.' The cauter was one of their most important tools before anesthesia made surgery less violent.
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