Escharotic

/ˌɛskəˈrɑtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Caustic or corrosive; capable of producing an eschar by burning or destroying tissue, used of chemical or medical treatments.

Etymology

From eschar plus Greek '-otikos' (capable of). The term was common in historical medicine and alchemy for corrosive substances.

Kelly Says

Escharotic was the term for any substance that could burn through tissue—historical doctors used escharotic agents to cauterize wounds or burn off tumors, making chemistry and medicine partners in creating controlled damage.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.