circumcision

[ sur-kuhm-sizh-uhn ]

noun

1. an act, instance, or the rite of circumcising.
2. clitoridectomy.
3. spiritual purification.
4. (initial capital letter) a church festival in honor of the circumcision of Jesus, observed on January 1.

circumcision

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. 1. surgical removal of the foreskin of males
   2. surgical incision into the skin covering the clitoris in females
   3. removal of the clitoris
2. the act of circumcision, performed as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims
3. RC Church the festival celebrated on Jan 1 in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

circumcision

1. The surgical removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis , usually performed soon after birth. Although circumcision is common in the United States, the procedure is no longer widely recommended as a medical necessity by physicians.

Notes

Circumcision is performed as a religious ceremony by Jews (see also Jews ) and Muslims .

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumcision¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Late Latin circumcīsiōn-, stem of circumcīsiō, equivalent to circumcise + -ion

Example Sentences

He played a leading role in uniting the Zulus across the political divides, and later spearheaded the revival of cultural practices such as the Reed Dance and male circumcision.

From Quartz

At the bottom the simple paper brochure advertised female and male circumcision for just 30 Egyptian pounds ($4.50) a procedure.

From The Daily Beast

Dr. Morris likens circumcision to vaccination by comparing the risk to others caused by refusing either intervention.

From The Daily Beast

Thus it was with some alarm that I read comments from the author of a new study about circumcision and its benefits.

From The Daily Beast

Moreover, “a vaccine is highly specific, whereas the protective effects of circumcision cover a wide array of medical conditions.”

From The Daily Beast

In 2012, the AAP changed its policy statement, discarding its neutral stance to weigh in heavily on the side of circumcision.

From The Daily Beast

By submitting to the rite, every one that received circumcision became a debtor to do the whole law.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet we are not told that Isaac was circumcised; nor is circumcision again spoken of until the time of Moses.

From Project Gutenberg

Abraham "received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised."

From Project Gutenberg

The Jewish religion prescribed circumcision, the observance of the Sabbath, the giving of alms, the feast of the Passover.

From Project Gutenberg

If retention follows circumcision, due to swelling of the parts, the surgeon should be notified.

From Project Gutenberg