'To heal by the second intention' definitions:

Definition of 'To heal by the second intention'

From: GCIDE
  • Intention \In*ten"tion\, n. [F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness. [1913 Webster]
  • Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York. [1913 Webster]
  • Hell is paved with good intentions. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim. [1913 Webster]
  • In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The state of being strained. See Intension. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Logic) Any mental apprehension of an object. [1913 Webster]
  • First intention (Logic), a conception of a thing formed by the first or direct application of the mind to the individual object; an idea or image; as, man, stone.
  • Second intention (Logic), a conception generalized from first intuition or apprehension already formed by the mind; an abstract notion; especially, a classified notion, as species, genus, whiteness.
  • To heal by the first intention (Surg.), to cicatrize, as a wound, without suppuration.
  • To heal by the second intention (Surg.), to unite after suppuration.
  • Syn: Design; purpose; object; aim; intent; drift; purport; meaning. See Design. [1913 Webster]