bandage
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbæn.dɪdʒ/US/ˈbæn.dɪdʒ/
a strip of material used to cover or protect a wound or an injured part of the body
Example Sentences
He placed a clean bandage over the cut to keep it from getting infected.
Always change the bandage daily for faster healing and to prevent contamination.
The nurse gave me a waterproof bandage so I could shower without worrying about my wound.
Different types of bandages are available, including adhesive strips and elastic wraps.
In a first-aid kit, you’ll typically find bandages of various sizes for different injuries.
Keeping a bandage on too long without cleaning the wound can trap moisture and bacteria, delaying the healing process and potentially leading to further complications.
A specialized compression bandage can help stabilize a sprained ankle, reducing swelling while providing enough support for gradual mobility recovery.
Make sure the bandage is not applied too tightly, as it may restrict blood flow and cause additional discomfort or hinder healing.
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verb (transitive)
UK/ˈbæn.dɪdʒ/US/ˈbæn.dɪdʒ/
to wrap or cover a wound or injured part of the body with a bandage
Example Sentences
She carefully bandaged his injured arm after cleaning the wound.
The coach had to bandage the player’s sprained wrist before letting him continue the game.
It’s important to bandage cuts promptly to prevent dirt and germs from entering.
He asked the nurse to bandage his foot again because the dressing felt loose.
When you bandage an open wound, make sure to apply an antiseptic solution first.
Paramedics on the scene quickly bandaged the victim’s wounds, stabilizing his condition before transporting him to the hospital for further treatment.
If you need to bandage a burn, use a non-stick pad or specialized burn dressing to avoid worsening the injury when removing the bandage.
The first step is to bandage any serious bleeding, applying gentle but firm pressure to control blood loss and protect the area until medical help arrives.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
How to Use
A flexible strip of fabric or other material used to cover and protect wounds, or to support and stabilize injured body parts.A “bandage” is typically a strip of material, such as cloth, gauze, or elastic, used in medical settings to cover and protect wounds, control bleeding, and promote healing. Bandages can be applied to various parts of the body, including arms, legs, hands, and head, depending on the location and severity of the injury. They serve multiple purposes:1. **Protection**: Shielding wounds from dirt, bacteria, and further injury to prevent infection and promote healing.2. **Compression**: Applying pressure to control bleeding and reduce swelling, especially in cases of sprains or strains.3. **Support**: Stabilizing injured joints or muscles to prevent excessive movement and aid in recovery, such as wrapping an ankle after a sprain.4. **Securing Dressings**: Holding antiseptic or medicated pads in place over wounds to ensure they remain effective.There are various types of bandages designed for specific uses:- **Gauze Bandages**: Thin, loosely woven fabrics used for covering wounds and securing dressings.- **Elastic Bandages**: Stretchable materials that provide compression and support, commonly used for sprains and strains.- **Adhesive Bandages (Band-Aids)**: Small, self-adhesive strips with a central pad for minor cuts and abrasions.- **Triangular Bandages**: Large, versatile pieces of cloth used for creating slings or securing splints.Proper application of a bandage is crucial to ensure effectiveness and prevent complications. Techniques vary based on the type of bandage and the injury being treated. It's important to wrap bandages snugly but not too tightly to avoid restricting blood flow. In addition to physical injuries, bandages can be used in first aid kits, sports settings, and household emergencies to address minor wounds and support injuries until professional medical help is available.In non-medical contexts, “bandage” can also metaphorically refer to temporary solutions that cover up problems without addressing the underlying issues, such as saying, “The new policy is just a bandage for the real problems in the system.” However, this usage is less common and typically found in more figurative or critical discussions.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms and related terms for “bandage” include:- **Gauze**: Specifically refers to a thin, loosely woven fabric used for covering wounds.- **Wrap**: A general term for any material used to encircle and secure an area.- **Compression Sleeve**: An elastic garment that provides support and reduces swelling.- **Adhesive Strip**: Similar to Band-Aids, used for minor cuts and abrasions.- **Splint**: A device used to immobilize and support injured limbs, sometimes secured with bandages.- **Binder**: A type of elastic bandage used to compress and support joints or muscles.While these alternatives can specify certain types or uses of bandages, “bandage” remains the most versatile and widely recognized term for the general concept of wrapping and supporting injuries.
Writing
When using “bandage” in formal or academic writing, clearly specify the type and purpose to provide precise information. For example:- **Medical Context**: “The nurse applied a sterile gauze bandage to the patient's laceration to prevent infection.”- **Descriptive Use**: “He wrapped an elastic bandage around his sprained ankle to reduce swelling and provide support.”- **Figurative Use**: “The new regulations acted as a bandage, temporarily addressing the symptoms but failing to solve the underlying issues.”In narrative or creative writing, describe the application and effect of bandages to convey realism and detail: “She carefully tied the bandage around his wrist, ensuring it was tight enough to hold the splint but gentle enough to not cause discomfort.” When discussing historical or cultural aspects, you might explore the evolution of bandaging techniques and materials: “Ancient civilizations used linen bandages infused with herbal remedies to treat wounds.” Providing context and specifics enhances the clarity and depth of your writing, ensuring that readers understand the role and significance of bandages in the given scenario.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bandage” is often mentioned in the context of minor injuries or first aid:- **Minor Cuts and Scrapes**: “I scraped my knee and need to put a bandage on it.”- **Sports Injuries**: “He twisted his ankle during the game and had to bandage it before continuing.”- **Everyday Accidents**: “She fell off her bike and ended up with a bandage on her elbow.”- **Humorous or Light-hearted Contexts**: Friends might joke, “After spilling coffee on himself, he was a walking bandage,” highlighting multiple minor injuries.- **Parenting**: Parents often talk about bandaging their children's wounds: “Let me grab a bandage for that boo-boo.”Additionally, “bandage” can be used metaphorically in casual talk to describe temporary fixes: “I tried to fix the leak with duct tape, but it was just a bandage solution.” In these contexts, “bandage” conveys the idea of a quick or temporary remedy without a long-term solution.
Etymology
The word “bandage” originates from the Middle French “bander,” meaning “to bind,” which itself comes from the Old French “bander,” related to “band” (a strip or strip of material). The term has Germanic roots, connected to the Old High German “band” and the Proto-Germanic “banduz,” both referring to a strip or binding material. Historically, bandages have been essential in medical practices for centuries, used to protect and support wounds and injuries. Over time, the materials and techniques for bandaging have evolved, incorporating advancements in medical science and hygiene. The word “bandage” has maintained its core meaning related to binding and supporting, while its applications have expanded across various contexts, from medical and sports to metaphorical uses in language.