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Bougie

1. (Science: surgery) a long, flexible instrument, that is

introduced into the urethra, oesophagus, etc, to remove obstructions, or for the other purposes. It was originally made of waxed linen rolled into cylindrical form.

2. (Science: pharmacology) a long slender rod consisting of gelatin or some other substance that melts at the temperature of the body. It is impregnated with medicine, and designed for introduction into urethra, etc.

Origin: f. Bougie wax candle, bougie, fr. Bougie, Bugia, a town of North Africa, from which these candles were first imported into Europe.