tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (such as a band of rubber) that checks bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Examples of tourniquet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, unphased, Hajek rinsed the leg in the ocean, fashioned a tourniquet from his surfboard leash, and drove himself to the hospital for stitches. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 30 Sep. 2024

The footage, which the Herald decided was too graphic to be published, also showed a Monroe firefighter treat Lewis as his leg, with a makeshift tourniquet around the middle, appeared badly mangled. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 July 2024

Tiffany rushed to Scola’s aide, using her belt as a tourniquet. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Oct. 2024

McKenzie was able to fight off the shark and get to shore, where a retired police officer used his dog's leash as a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding before McKenzie was airlifted to the hospital. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, turnstile, tourniquet, from tourner to turn, from Old French — more at turn

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (as a band of rubber) used to stop or slow bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Medical Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow