appendectomy

American  

[ap-uhn-dek-tuh-mee] / ˌæp ənˈdɛk tə mi /

especially British, appendicectomy

noun

Surgery.

plural

appendectomies

1. excision of the vermiform appendix.

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appendectomy Cultural  

1. The surgical removal of the appendix.

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Etymology

Origin of appendectomy

First recorded in 1890–95; append(ix) + -ectomy

Explanation

An appendectomy is an operation in which a surgeon removes your appendix. If your appendix is inflamed or infected, you'll probably need an appendectomy. Your appendix is a small part of your digestive system — it's not uncommon for it to grow inflamed and enlarged, a painful situation that can become dangerous without an emergency appendectomy. The first successful appendectomy was performed in the early 1700s, though the word for the procedure wasn't coined until 1891. The root is the Latin appendix, "an addition" or "something attached."

Example Sentences

“Any more than you could perform an appendectomy by Zoom.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

Bearman, standing in for Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard underwent an appendectomy, became at 18 years old the youngest British driver in F1 history, and the third youngest ever.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2024

Their best hope for bolstering the offensive line may rest in how quickly top draft pick Peter Skoronski returns from an appendectomy Sept. 16 to his starting left guard job.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2023

The Timbers played without captain Diego Chara after the club announced on Thursday that he will miss 1-3 weeks following appendectomy surgery.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 17, 2023

Representative Henry Barnhart of Indiana was carried in on a stretcher from a Washington, DC, hospital after an appendectomy; he stayed just long enough to vote.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling