a. and sb. Med. 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 sb.: 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 Brewer, 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, &c.; also remedies which reduce superfluous flesh.
So † Catheretical a. = prec.
1638. A. Read, Chirurg., ix. 66. Cathereticall medicaments.
