appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌa-pən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

ˌa-ˌpen-

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

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

Colson in 11-on-11 Rookie linebacker Junior Colson got his first team reps of camp Tuesday in seven-on-seven after working his way back from an appendectomy. —Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 14 Aug. 2024

Graves' start, Karlsson injury update Ducks' Gibson undergoes appendectomy: Is Dostál ready for a bigger role? —New York Times, 26 Sep. 2024

Colson was on the list after undergoing an appendectomy, Harbaugh said. —Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 30 July 2024

After diagnosing her with appendicitis, the doctor hastily performed an appendectomy on the young girl before her anesthesia set in. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin appendic-, appendix + English -ectomy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

ˌap-ˌen-

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the human appendix

Medical Definition

appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix