laryngectomy

noun

lar·​yn·​gec·​to·​my ˌler-ən-ˈjek-tə-ˌmē How to pronounce laryngectomy (audio)
ˌla-rən-
plural laryngectomies
: surgical removal of all or part of the larynx
laryngectomized adjective

Examples of laryngectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This technology could benefit people with injuries and diseases involving vocal fold paralysis, as well as those who have had surgeries like laryngectomies—removal of the larynx, which contains the vibrating muscles—that involve the removal of some or all of a person’s vocal folds. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Mar. 2024 If not, his doctors are advising a total laryngectomy, or surgical removal of his larynx, which would leave him unable to speak. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC news, 11 Aug. 2023 For patients who lose their ability to speak after a laryngectomy, there are currently three speech rehabilitation options, according to Yvonne Knapp, a speech-language pathologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Michelle Cohan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2022 Ogitsu had a laryngectomy, a surgery in which all or part of the larynx -- also known as the voice box -- is removed. Michelle Cohan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2022 In March 2018, the McDowell Intermediate High School teacher had a partial laryngectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a portion of her voice box. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 5 Oct. 2019 Kuzma had a total laryngectomy in September 2018, per GoErie.com, along with 30 radiation and five chemotherapy treatments. Korin Miller, Health.com, 8 Oct. 2019 Kuzma then had a total laryngectomy at the Cleveland Clinic and underwent 30 radiation and five chemotherapy treatments. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 5 Oct. 2019 He was beset by health problems (cancer of the jaw, a heart attack, cancer of the larynx and a laryngectomy), which must have been not only excruciatingly painful but also socially mortifying. Brad Leithauser, WSJ, 29 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laryngectomy was circa 1888

Dictionary Entries Near laryngectomy

Cite this Entry

“Laryngectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laryngectomy. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

laryngectomy

noun
lar·​yn·​gec·​to·​my -ˈjek-tə-mē How to pronounce laryngectomy (audio)
plural laryngectomies
: surgical removal of all or part of the larynx
laryngectomized adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on laryngectomy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!