appendectomy

noun
ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my | \ ˌa-pən-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce appendectomy (audio) , ˌa-ˌpen-\
plural appendectomies

Definition of appendectomy

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

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Did You Know?

The appendix is a tiny tube attached to the large intestine that no longer has any real function. Appendicitis—inflammation and swelling of the appendix, usually as a result of bacterial infection—generally occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, and is the most common reason for emergency surgery in the U.S. today. Since the appendix has so little to do, appendectomies normally have no negative aftereffects at all. If appendicitis is ignored, bacteria may enter the blood and infect other parts of the body.

Examples of appendectomy in a Sentence

The surgeon performed an appendectomy on her.

Recent Examples on the Web

Administrative costs aside, U.S. hospitals charge far more for MRIs, appendectomies and other common procedures than their counterparts abroad. Catherine Rampell, The Denver Post, "Rampell: A question missing from the health-care debate: Will doctors make less money?," 4 Aug. 2019 Channing Frye played for the first time since having an appendectomy during the All-Star break, giving the Lakers 11 available players. Tania Ganguli, latimes.com, "Lakers end long trip with loss to Pistons," 27 Mar. 2018 Just as Jose Alvarez prepared for his first year of college, he was forced to undergo an appendectomy. María Méndez, Dallas News, "Keeping the Promise: Here’s how more Dallas kids are going to college for free," 6 July 2019 These packs could be in low, medium or high-dose packs or be tailored to different procedures, such as hernia operations or appendectomies. Jayne O'donnell, USA TODAY, "'Fighting the wrong war': Chronic pain patients push feds to change opioid policies," 18 June 2019 Norah had to undergo an emergency appendectomy last Friday. Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'CBS This Morning' Viewers Are Wondering What Happened to Norah O'Donnell," 26 Mar. 2019 Channing Frye has also been out for a month following an appendectomy. Tania Ganguli, latimes.com, "Lakers! Kyle Kuzma’s versatility is growing as the season creeps toward its end," 22 Mar. 2018 Channing Frye played for the first time since getting an appendectomy during the All-Star break. Tania Ganguli, latimes.com, "Isaiah Thomas leaves Lakers to deal with troublesome hip injury," 27 Mar. 2018 Saving a few percent on overhead would be great, but MRIs and appendectomies are still going to cost 2x-4x here than in other OECD countries. Dylan Scott, Vox, "5 doctors and surgeons tell us what they really think about Medicare-for-all," 10 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appendectomy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of appendectomy

1891, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for appendectomy

Latin appendic-, appendix + English -ectomy

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More Definitions for appendectomy

appendectomy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of appendectomy

medical : an operation to remove a person's appendix

appendectomy

noun
ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my | \ ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce appendectomy (audio) \
plural appendectomies

Medical Definition of appendectomy

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

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