ablate
/æbˈleɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To remove the outer layer of something by cutting, wearing, or burning it away. In science and medicine, it often means to destroy tissue on purpose.
- The doctor used heat to ablate the tumour.
- Wind and rain can ablate the rock surface.
- The laser ablates the damaged tissue.
Adinary Nuance
Ablate is more specific than "remove". It suggests taking material away bit by bit, often with heat, friction, or a medical tool. In science, it is stronger and more technical than "wear away" or "destroy."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- làm mòn
- Spanish
- erosionar
- Chinese
- 消融
- Japanese
- 除去する
- Korean
- 제거하다
Etymology
Ablate comes from Latin ablat-, from auferre meaning “to carry away.” It entered English through scientific and medical writing in the 19th century.
Common phrases
ablate tissueablate the surfacelaser ablation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is ablate a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in science, medicine, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between ablate and remove?
- Remove is general. Ablate means to take material away by a process like heat, wear, or surgery.
- Is ablate used in medical English?
- Yes. Doctors may use it when they destroy unwanted tissue on purpose.