The AI-powered English dictionary
countable and uncountable, plural eschars
(medicine) A superficial structure of dead tissue, usually hardened, commonly, but not necessarily dark, adhering to underlying living or necrotic tissue, caused by gangrene or a burn. quotations 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
2016, Cheryl Carver, Knowing the Difference Between Scabs and Eschar
(loose or obsolete) 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. quotations
When the caustic is removed, the eschar should be punctured for the discharge of the matter, and then dressed with warm emollient poultices...
1779, John Andree, Observations on the Theory and Cure of the Venereal Disease
(figurative or literary) The emotional imprint of a trauma such as grief, loss, or degradation. quotations examples
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.
1965, John Fowles, The Magus