hysterectomy

UK: ˌhɪstəˈrektəmi | US: ˌhɪstəˈrektəmi

Definition

  1. n. a surgical procedure to remove the uterus

Structure
hyster <womb (from Greek *hystera*)>ectomy <surgical removal (from Greek *-ektomia*)>
Etymology

The word hysterectomy combines two Greek-derived morphemes: hyster- (meaning "womb" or "uterus") and -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal"). The term reflects the medical procedure's focus on excising the uterus. Historically, hysteria was once thought to originate from the womb (a now-debunked idea), which explains the shared root hyster-. The suffix -ectomy is widely used in medical terminology for removal surgeries (e.g., appendectomy).

Examples

  1. She underwent a hysterectomy to treat severe endometriosis.

  2. Recovery time after a hysterectomy typically takes 4–6 weeks.

  3. The doctor recommended a hysterectomy due to fibroid complications.

  4. Modern hysterectomies can often be performed laparoscopically.

  5. After her hysterectomy, she no longer experienced menstrual pain.