catheretic, a. and n. Med.
(kæθəˈrɛtɪk)
Sometimes written cathæretic.
[ad. Gr. καθαιρετικός (in Galen) destructive, consuming, f. καθαιρεῖν to take down, reduce, destroy (f. κατά down + αἱρεῖν to take). Cf. F. cathérétique.]
Having power to destroy, reduce or consume; corrosive. As n.: An agent for consuming superfluous flesh: a name given to the milder caustics.
| 1634 T. Johnson Parey's Chirurg. xxvi. xviii. (1678) 640 Some [Pyroticks] are termed Catheretick or corroding, for that they waste the proud flesh of an ulcerated..part. 1713 Lond. & Country Brew. iv. (1743) 299 A hot pungent, acrid Matter, of a catheretic Nature, insomuch that, if applied Plaister-wise to the Skin, it will raise a Blister. 1887 Hoblyn Med. Dict., Cathæretics, the milder caustics, as iodine, creasote, etc., also remedies which reduce superfluous flesh. |
So † catheˈretical a. = prec.
| 1638 A. Read Chirurg. ix. 66 Cathereticall medicaments. |