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

There’s another picture on your website called Mom’s Appendectomy, 2013.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2018

Appendectomy Sirs: The operating room supervisor who directed the hospital machinery said: "The first case boarded is an appendectomy."

From Time Magazine Archive

Subsequent visits, $5. ¶ Obstetrical delivery with no complications: $175. ¶ Appendectomy: $175 ¶ Electrocardiogram: $15. ¶ Gallstone operation: $250. ¶ Tonsillectomy: $75. ¶ Broken wrist: $75.

From Time Magazine Archive