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.

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

"A more recent review of studies in this area finds no association between circumcision and any adverse psychological effects," he added.

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Ms Klass described the material, which included notes referencing circumcision and saying the ring sent in the post was for the "holy protection" of a "worthy high priestess", as "utterly visually disturbing".

Read more on BBC

Although an autopsy is still being conducted to establish the cause of her death, many people have linked it to FGM, or female circumcision, a cultural practice outlawed in the West African state.

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“Just a few of them, especially when they are uncircumcised, developed a serious deformity, but that was not only related to the lack of circumcision but also to the skills of the injector.”

Read more on Salon

Doctors for one patient described the stitching as “the equivalent of a female circumcision,” the lawsuit said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times