tracheotomy

[trey-kee-ot-uh-mee]

noun

Surgery.

plural

tracheotomies 

1. the operation of cutting into the trachea.

tracheotomy

/ ˌtrækɪˈɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision into the trachea, usually performed when the upper air passage has been blocked

Other Word Forms

• tracheotomist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tracheotomy¹

First recorded in 1720–30; tracheo- + -tomy

Example Sentences

He had a tracheotomy operation, affecting his voice and making it difficult to speak.

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The actor had two tracheotomies while undergoing treatment for throat cancer.

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He received treatment for various illnesses, including a benign intestinal tumour, a broken hip and a tracheotomy, when his Parkinson's disease was at an advanced stage.

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Due to this, and the damage to his spine, Ryan had to be ventilated and had a tracheotomy to help with his breathing while he was in the coma.

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The boy was taken to Rotherham District General Hospital where doctors attempted to carry out a tracheotomy, a procedure to help air and oxygen reach the lungs.

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