oophorectomy

noun

oo·​pho·​rec·​to·​my ˌō-ə-fə-ˈrek-tə-mē How to pronounce oophorectomy (audio)
plural oophorectomies
: the surgical removal of an ovary

called also ovariectomy

Examples of oophorectomy 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.
Surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes (called prophylactic oophorectomy) can lower the chance of developing ovarian cancer in people with a high genetic risk. Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025 Munn froze her eggs for the third time at 42 years old following her breast cancer diagnosis and underwent an oophorectomy and hysterectomy, which removed her uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, during cancer treatment. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 Mice who received fecal transplants from mice who had received double oophorectomies gained weight. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2024 The actress also underwent a partial hysterectomy/oophorectomy in April 2024. Emma Aerin Becker, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024 The Newsroom actress revealed in March that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy as well as a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2024 With females, a decline in testosterone typically occurs alongside drops in estrogen and progesterone due to aging, menopause, or the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy). James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024 Some types of surgeries and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and oophorectomy, can damage the ovaries and cause early menopause. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2023 Jolie had a prophylactic mastectomy as well as a prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy. Mikayla Morell, Health, 15 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin oophoron ovary (from o- + Greek -phoron, neuter of -phoros -phore) + English -ectomy

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oophorectomy was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oophorectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oophorectomy. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

oophorectomy

noun
oo·​pho·​rec·​to·​my ˌō-ə-fə-ˈrek-tə-mē How to pronounce oophorectomy (audio)
plural oophorectomies
: the surgical removal of an ovary

called also ovariectomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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