surgical spirit

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Explanation of "Surgical Spirit"

Definition: "Surgical spirit" is a type of alcohol solution that is often used in medicine. It is primarily made from methylated spirits, which means it contains ethanol (alcohol) mixed with other chemicals to make it undrinkable. Surgical spirit is used for cleaning the skin before medical procedures, like injections or surgeries, to help prevent infections.

Usage Instructions:

• How to Use It: Surgical spirit is usually applied to the skin with a cotton ball or a clean cloth. It should be allowed to dry before any medical procedure takes place to ensure that it effectively cleans the area.

Example:

• "Before giving the injection, the nurse cleaned the patient's arm with surgical spirit to make sure it was free of germs."

Advanced Usage:

• In a medical setting, surgical spirit may also be used to clean instruments or surfaces that need to be sterile. However, it should not be used on open wounds, as it can cause irritation.

Word Variants:

• Surgical Spirits (plural): Refers to multiple bottles or types of surgical spirit.
• Methylated Spirit: Another term for the base substance used to make surgical spirit.

Different Meanings:

• While "surgical spirit" specifically refers to the alcohol solution used in medicine, "spirit" on its own can refer to a broad range of alcoholic beverages or the essence of something (like the spirit of a community).

Synonyms:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Antiseptic liquid (though these may not always be the same)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "surgical spirit," but you might hear the phrase "to clean with surgical spirit," which means to use it for cleaning purposes in a medical context.

Conclusion:

"Surgical spirit" is an important item in medical practice, particularly for ensuring cleanliness and safety before procedures.

Academic

Noun

1. methylated spirit used in the practice of medicine (especially for cleansing the skin before injections or before surgery)