Actual cautery, a substance or agent (as a hot iron) which cauterizes or sears by actual heat; or the burning so effected. -- Potential cautery, a substance which cauterizes by chemical action; as, lunar caustic; also, the cauterizing produced by such substance.
Cau"tion (?), n. [F. caution a security, L. cautio, fr. cavere (For scavere) to be on one's guard, to take care (orig.) to be on the watch, see; akin to E. show.] 1. A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.