electrotherapy

noun

elec·​tro·​ther·​a·​py i-ˌlek-trō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce electrotherapy (audio)
: the therapeutic use of electricity

Examples of electrotherapy in a Sentence

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This process, called electrotherapy, works both by attracting immune cells and skin cells to the wound and by boosting cell growth and division. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 June 2023 The seminary also had a number of offices which were transformed into hospital support rooms, including an electrotherapy room. — Daron James, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 Hydrotherapy and electrotherapy, delivered by elaborate machines that sent painful jolts of electricity through the body, were also put into use. — Daphne Merkin, The Atlantic, 10 July 2022 The devices are also far more advanced than proof-of-concept stage; the Northwestern device, a transient bandage that uses electrotherapy to both monitor and heal diabetic wounds, is resorbed into the body. — IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023 The company, based in Englewood, produces and markets electrotherapy devices used in pain management, rehabilitation and stroke recovery. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrotherapy was in 1861

Rhymes for electrotherapy

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electrotherapist
electrotherapy
electrothermal
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Cite this Entry

“Electrotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrotherapy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

electrotherapy

noun
elec·​tro·​ther·​a·​py -ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce electrotherapy (audio)
plural electrotherapies
: treatment of disease by means of electricity (as in diathermy)

More from Merriam-Webster on electrotherapy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrotherapy

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