orchiectomy

noun

or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē 

plural orchiectomies

: surgical removal of one or both testes

Examples of orchiectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hate is something any human being can come by naturally; no involuntary orchiectomy is required. —Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2024

Both can also be used in transgender women who have undergone orchiectomy but still have secondary male features like hair loss. —Elizabeth Boskey, Verywell Health, 5 June 2023

Even so, orchiectomy may be an early option for people who cannot take testosterone blockers for any reason (including a drug allergy or having a kidney or liver disease). —Elizabeth Boskey, Verywell Health, 5 June 2023

Now, Jane's facial feminization surgery and orchiectomy (surgery to remove testicles) have been canceled until further notice. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2020

But even with a private nurse, my father soon developed bedsores, and then suffered the agony of an orchiectomy to remove gangrenous testicles. —Lynn Freed, Harper's magazine, 10 Mar. 2019

That leads to denials when, say, a doctor seeks reimbursement for a transgender woman's orchiectomy. —CNN, 31 May 2018

Silletti started performing orchiectomies on transgender patients in 2013. —CNN, 31 May 2018

The treatment is called an orchiectomy, which is the removal of the testis via the lower abdomen wall. —Luke O'Neil, Esquire, 14 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Greek órchis "testicle" + -ectomy — more at orchis

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for orchiectomy

• appendectomy
• hepatectomy
• hysterectomy
• iridectomy
• laminectomy
• laryngectomy
• oophorectomy
• pneumonectomy
• prostatectomy
• sympathectomy
• thyroidectomy
• tonsillectomy

Medical Definition

orchiectomy

noun

or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē 

variants also orchectomy

ȯr-ˈkek-tə-mē 

plural orchiectomies

: surgical excision of a testis or of both testes

called also orchidectomy