Exsanguination

/ˌɛksæŋɡwɪˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of draining blood from the body, either as a medical procedure or as a cause of death; complete loss of blood.

Etymology

From Latin 'exsanguinare,' combining 'ex-' (out) and 'sanguineus' (of blood, from 'sanguis'). The medical term entered English in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

The Latin root 'sanguis' (blood) is hiding in tons of words—'sanguine' (optimistic, but literally blood-colored), 'sanguinary' (bloodthirsty), 'consanguinity' (blood relatives)—English borrowed this whole family of words for anything involving blood or relatedness!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.