embryotomy

[ em-bree-ot-uh-mee ]

/ ˌɛm briˈɒt ə mi /

dismemberment of a fetus, when natural delivery is impossible, in order to effect its removal.

Nearby words

From the French word embryotomie, dating back to 1715–25. See embryo-, -tomy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

These cases are always trying, but it is very rarely necessary to resort to embryotomy.
Special Report on Diseases of Cattle|U.S. Department of Agriculture
If the disproportion is too great the only resort is embryotomy.
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse|United States Department of Agriculture
Embryotomy consists in the dissection of the fetus, so as to reduce its bulk and allow of its exit through the pelvis.
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse|United States Department of Agriculture
It is noteworthy that he recognized the method of embryotomy as necessary when other measures had failed.
Outlines of Greek and Roman Medicine|James Sands Elliott

Finding it impossible to deliver her in the usual way, embryotomy was in this instance employed.
Cattle and Their Diseases|Robert Jennings

[ ĕm′brē-ŏt′ə-mē ]

The cutting of the fetus while in the uterus to aid its removal when delivery is impossible by natural means.