circumcision
UK: /ˌsɜː.kəmˈsɪʒ.ən/ | US: /ˌsɜː.kəmˈsɪʒ.ən/
n. the act of circumcising, especially as a religious rite
n. (surgery) the removal of the foreskin of the penis or the clitoral hood
The word "circumcision" originates from Latin circumcisio, derived from circumcidere ("to cut around"). The morpheme circum- (from Latin circum, meaning "around") combines with -cis- (from Latin caedere, "to cut"), reflecting the physical act of cutting around the foreskin. The suffix -ion nominalizes the action. The term has been used since Middle English (via Old French) primarily in religious and medical contexts, retaining its core meaning of a ritual or surgical cutting.
Circumcision is a common practice in many cultures for religious or hygienic reasons.
The debate over infant circumcision involves ethical and medical considerations.
In Judaism, circumcision is performed on male infants as a covenant with God.
The hospital offers counseling for parents considering circumcision for their newborn.
Some studies suggest circumcision may reduce the risk of certain infections.