eschar

Definitions

1. 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
2. Any hard, dark, commonly flattened or sunken lesion or crust, especially on a burn, abscess, infection, wound; commonly a coagulation of blood or exudations, not necessarily involving dead or necrotic tissue.
   countable, uncountable
3. The emotional imprint of a trauma such as grief, loss, or degradation.
   countable, figuratively, literary, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“...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.”

CEFR level