body modification

American  

[bod-ee mod-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˈbɒd i mɒd ə fɪˌkeɪ ʃən /

Also body mod

noun

1. any method of making permanent changes to the body, including piercing, tattooing, subdermal implants, etc., usually for aesthetic purposes or personal expression.

2. a permanent change made to the body by piercing, tattooing, implants, etc.

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body modification British  

noun

1. any method of permanently adorning the body, including tattooing and piercing

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Etymology

Origin of body modification

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Mr Gustavson, 45, is accused of leading an extreme body modification operation.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023

One of the surgeons has started offering a “tongue bifurcation” procedure wherein the tongue is split down the middle, creating a lizardlike appearance for patients who are interested in body modification.

From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2022

Brazilian tattoo artist Michel Faro Prado has taken body modification to a new level by transforming himself into a devil look-alike.

From Reuters • Aug. 20, 2021

The same principles hold true for biohackers, a dedicated subculture of body modification enthusiasts who inject chips for fun.

From Slate • May 27, 2020

They received body modification surgery to resemble one another as a single being named Breyer P-Orridge and adopted gender neutral pronouns.

From The Guardian • Mar. 14, 2020