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
ˌdī-ə-ˈthər-mik How to pronounce diathermy (audio)
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

Rhymes for diathermy

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Browse Nearby Words

diathermanous
diathermy
diathesis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diathermy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diathermy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of diathermy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diathermy

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