noun

debridement

/dɪˈbriːdmənt/ · say it: dih·BREED·mənt

removing dead tissue from a wound

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (noun) the medical process of removing dead or damaged tissue from a wound or burn to help it heal properly

Examples

The surgeon performed debridement on the patient's severe burn wound.

How to use debridement

Debridement is a technical medical term used in clinical and surgical contexts to describe the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from wounds, burns, or ulcers. It is essential in wound care to promote healing and prevent infection. The term is standard in healthcare settings and medical literature but rarely appears in general English.

Common phrases

surgical debridement
enzymatic debridement
sharp debridement
debridement of wounds
debridement procedure
require debridement

Synonyms

cleansing · removal of necrotic tissue · surgical cleaning · tissue removal · wound cleaning

Word family

debride (verb) · debrided (adjective/past participle)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse debridement with simple wound cleaning; debridement specifically involves removing diseased or dead tissue, not just cleansing the surface with water or antiseptic.

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