embryotomy

American  

[em-bree-ot-uh-mee] / ˌɛm briˈɒt ə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

embryotomies

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

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Etymology

Origin of embryotomy

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

Example Sentences

While the procedure ultimately does not need to happen thanks to the miraculous workings of a relic, the author, without any moralization or shame, details here the contemporaneous procedures for an embryotomy, as described in medieval surgical manuals.

From Scientific American

In order to save the life of a wealthy woman, he must put his clerical garments aside and sully his hands with an embryotomy.

From Scientific American

In cases of malformation of the head of the fœtus, or when the cranium is enormously distended by an accumulation of fluid within the ventricles of the brain, after all other remedies, in the form of fomentations, lubricating antispasmodic drinks, have failed, then recourse must be had to embryotomy.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the separation of the head is more serious than the deprivation of a limb; for, let not the reader imagine that in the dog, as in the cow or mare, embryotomy by means of a knife can be successfully resorted to.

From Project Gutenberg

These cases are always trying, but it is very rarely necessary to resort to embryotomy.

From Project Gutenberg