vasectomy

noun

va·​sec·​to·​my və-ˈsek-tə-mē 

vā-ˈzek-

plural vasectomies

: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility

Examples of vasectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the election, there has been a surge in the purchase of emergency contraception as well as appointments for long-acting reversible contraception and vasectomies. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

For years, advocates of reproductive freedom have been waiting for the arrival of male birth control (besides condoms and vasectomies). —Nina Ajemian, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024

And the men seeking vasectomies after Dobbs were also an average of two years younger and had fewer children. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2024

The most recent male birth control innovation was the no-scalpel vasectomy in 1974. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French vasectomie, from vas (deferens) vas deferens + -ectomie -ectomy

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vasectomy

noun

va·​sec·​to·​my -tə-mē 

plural vasectomies

: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility