embryotomy

[em-bree-ot-uh-mee]

noun, plural em·bry·ot·o·mies. Surgery.

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

Origin of embryotomy

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for embryotomy

Historical Examples of embryotomy

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

embryotomy in Medicine

embryotomy

[ĕm′brē-ŏt′ə-mē]

n.

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

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.