Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tomy

Suffix

/ˈtɒmə/

Definition

The suffix ‘tomy’ refers to a surgical operation or incision.

Examples

Appendectomy: the surgical removal of the appendix.
Lobotomy: a neurosurgical procedure that involves cutting into the lobes of the brain.
Osteotomy: a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones.

Meaning

In medical terminology, ‘tomy’ indicates the act of cutting into a part of the body for surgical purposes. It is derived from the Greek word ‘tomia’ which means ‘to cut’.