Which medical root term is defined as "to burn"?

The root term that is defined as "to burn" is "cauter/o." This term originates from the Greek word "kauterion," which means a burning instrument or cautery. In medical terminology, it is commonly associated with the process of cauterization, which involves the use of heat to destroy tissue, often to stop bleeding or to remove abnormal growths. This root is frequently used in medical procedures and descriptions involving burning as a method of treatment.

The other root terms provided have distinct meanings that do not relate to burning. For instance, "cec/o" pertains to the cecum, an area of the large intestine. "Centr/o" refers to the center or a central structure, often used in terms that describe orientation or positioning. Lastly, "cerebr/o" relates to the brain, specifically the cerebral hemispheres. Understanding these meanings helps to clarify why "cauter/o" is the appropriate choice for the definition of "to burn."