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craniotomy

American  
[krey-nee-ot-uh-mee] / ˌkreɪ niˈɒt ə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

craniotomies
  1. the operation of opening the skull, usually for operations on the brain.


craniotomy British  
/ ˌkreɪnɪˈɒtəmɪ /

noun

  1. any surgical incision into the skull, esp to expose the brain for neurosurgery

  2. the surgical crushing of a fetal skull to extract a dead fetus

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

craniotomy Scientific  
/ krā′nē-ŏtə-mē /
  1. Surgical incision into the skull.


Etymology

Origin of craniotomy

First recorded in 1850–55; cranio- + -tomy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Marc Morris, from Craven Arms, had to undergo a craniotomy, with the right side of his skull being removed.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2023

This technique requires arrays that cover relatively large areas, necessitating removal of at least an equal area of skull in a procedure known as a craniotomy.

From Scientific American • Sep. 1, 2023

George Halvorson, the retired chief executive of Kaiser Permanente, says he recently had a surgical procedure on his skull, a craniotomy, at the renowned Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

Learning how to open up a craniotomy, learning how to put diapers on your newborn kids and be a better attentive husband, all these were tasks that I wanted to accomplish.

From New York Times • Oct. 11, 2022

The legitimate aspiration and tendency of science is to eliminate craniotomy on the living and viable child from obstetric practice.’—Barnes’ words as quoted by Busey.

From Moral Principles and Medical Practice The Basis of Medical Jurisprudence by Coppens, Charles