diathermy

noun

dia·​ther·​my ˈdī-ə-ˌthər-mē How to pronounce diathermy (audio)
: the generation of heat in tissue by electric currents for medical or surgical purposes
diathermic adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diathermy was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near diathermy

Cite this Entry

“Diathermy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diathermy. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

diathermy

noun
dia·​ther·​my ˈdī-ə-ˌthər-mē How to pronounce diathermy (audio)
plural diathermies
: the generation of heat in tissue by electric currents for medical or surgical purposes

called also endothermy

see electrocoagulation, shortwave diathermy

More from Merriam-Webster on diathermy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!