Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Thermocautery \Ther`mo*cau"ter*y\, n. [Thermo- + cautery.]
   (Surg.)
   Cautery by the application of heat.

   {Paquelin's thermocautery}, thermocautery by means of a
      hollow platinum point, which is kept constantly hot by the
      passage through it of benzine vapor.