eschar
/ˈɛskɑɹ/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: 1.18 in modern English
11
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A superficial structure of dead tissue, usually hardened, and commonly but not necessarily dark, adhering to underlying living or necrotic tissue, caused by gangrene or a burn.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "...stable intact eschar on the heels should not be removed. Blood flow in the tissue under the eschar is poor and the wound is susceptible to infection. The eschar acts as a natural barrier to infection by keeping the bacteria from entering the wound. If the eschar becomes unstable (wet, draining, loose, boggy, edematous, red) it should be debrided according to the clinic or facility protocol"
- "When the caustic is removed, the eschar should be punctured for the discharge of the matter, and then dressed with warm emollient poultices..."
- "In another minute there was no letter; but, as with every other relationship in my life, an eschar of ashes. The word is rare, but exact."
Etymology
From Middle French eschare (now escarre) or Late Latin eschara (“scar, scab”), from Ancient Greek ἐσχάρα (eskhára, “hearth, brazier, scab”). Doublet of scar.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈɛskɑɹ/
- British English: /ˈɛskɑː/