orchiectomy

noun

or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē How to pronounce orchiectomy (audio)
plural orchiectomies
: surgical removal of one or both testes

Examples of orchiectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchiectomy was circa 1894

Dictionary Entries Near orchiectomy

Cite this Entry

“Orchiectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchiectomy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

orchiectomy

noun
or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē How to pronounce orchiectomy (audio)
variants also orchectomy
plural orchiectomies
: surgical excision of a testis or of both testes

called also orchidectomy

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