Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ectomy
Noun
/ˈɛk.tə.mi/
Definition
A surgical procedure involving the removal of a specific part of the body.
Examples
- Appendectomy – the surgical removal of the appendix.
- Hysterectomy – the removal of the uterus.
- Cholecystectomy – the removal of the gallbladder.
Meaning
The term ‘ectomy’ comes from the Greek word ‘ektomē’, which means ‘cutting out’ or ‘removal’. In medical terminology, it is often used as a suffix to describe a surgery that removes a particular organ or tissue.
Synonyms
- Resection
- Excision
- Removal
