splenectomy

noun

sple·​nec·​to·​my spli-ˈnek-tə-mē How to pronounce splenectomy (audio)
plural splenectomies
: surgical removal of the spleen
splenectomize transitive verb

Examples of splenectomy 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.
The organ was surgically removed the next day during a splenectomy, according to the complaint. Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 However, a splenectomy does permanently reduce the body’s ability to fight infection and does not fully prevent relapse, although remission of ITP following the operation is 60 to 70 percent. Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011 The other was the explosion of his spleen, which required an emergency splenectomy. Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Oct. 2022 Our rescue hound takes prescription medications to manage an autoimmune skin disease triggered by a May splenectomy. Stacey Lastoe, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 If your body isn’t responsive to medication, your doctor might recommend a splenectomy, which is a surgery to remove your spleen (which is mainly what creates the antibodies that attack platelets), the NHLBI explains. Patia Braithwaite, SELF, 21 June 2019 That medical team has guided the family through more than 20 blood transfusions, a splenectomy and constant monitoring of Evelyn's condition. Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2018 But otherwise, no broken arms, splenectomies or anything noteworthy outside of the toe incident. Sarah Wesley Lemire, courant.com, 22 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of splenectomy was circa 1859

Dictionary Entries Near splenectomy

Cite this Entry

“Splenectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splenectomy. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

splenectomy

noun
sple·​nec·​to·​my spli-ˈnek-tə-mē How to pronounce splenectomy (audio)
plural splenectomies
: surgical excision of the spleen

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