phacoemulsification

American  

[fak-oh-i-muhl-suh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌfæk oʊ ɪˌmʌl sə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

Or phakoemulsification

noun

Surgery.

1. the removal of a cataract by first liquefying the affected lens with ultrasonic vibrations and then extracting it by suction.

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Etymology

Origin of phacoemulsification

phaco- (< Greek phako-, combining form of phakós “lentil”; see lens) + emulsification ( def. )

Example Sentences

After scrubbing and suiting up, Paul turned to the surgical table to review the phacoemulsification machine, which uses ultrasonic waves to emulsify the lens of the eye so it can be safely removed.

From Washington Post