'electrocautery' originates from the combination of 'electro-' meaning 'electric' and 'cautery' from Greek 'kautērion,' meaning 'branding iron.'

'kautērion' transformed into the Latin word 'cauterium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'cautery,' which combined with 'electro-' to form 'electrocautery.'

Initially, it meant 'a branding iron,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a surgical technique using electricity.'