clitoridectomy

noun

clit·​o·​ri·​dec·​to·​my ˌkli-tə-ri-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce clitoridectomy (audio)
variants or less commonly clitorectomy
plural clitoridectomies
: excision of all or part of the clitoris

Examples of clitoridectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While she was widely known for her campaign against clitoridectomy, Dr. Saadawi’s feminism was part of a broader perception of the oppression of women rooted in Marxist thought on class distinctions, imperial domination, patriarchy, capitalism and religious fundamentalism. New York Times, 21 Mar. 2021 For instance, Emily (Alexis Bledel) is sent to the colonies after a failed escape attempt, and an affair with a Martha for which she'd already been brutally punished with a clitoridectomy. Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Sep. 2022 The cutting ranges from a clitoridectomy, partial to total removal of the clitoris, to infibulation, removal of all the external genitalia. Kristina Arriaga, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2017 In a parallel sequence, a lesbian Handmaid named Ofglen (played, silently, by the terrific Alexis Bledel) is gagged and kidnapped by the Secret Police, forced to see her lover hanged, and then given a clitoridectomy. Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, 22 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clitoridectomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clitoridectomy was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near clitoridectomy

Cite this Entry

“Clitoridectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clitoridectomy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

clitoridectomy

noun
clit·​o·​ri·​dec·​to·​my ˌklit-ə-rə-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce clitoridectomy (audio)
variants also clitorectomy
plural clitoridectomies
: excision of all or part of the clitoris

More from Merriam-Webster on clitoridectomy

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