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 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 Ginsberg underwent preventative double mastectomy, hysterectomy, and oophorectomy procedures after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2023 Six months of treatment followed, including nine weeks of chemo and major debulking (tumor-removal) surgery that involved a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes). Jennifer Garam, SELF, 21 Feb. 2020 Traditionally, this meant removing the ovaries and the fallopian tubes (a procedure called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), which then sends the patient into menopause, Dr. Memarzadeh explains. Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 17 Dec. 2018 In many cases, an oophorectomy may be combined with another procedure, such as a hysterectomy, the Mayo Clinic explains. Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Oct. 2018 The procedure to remove an ovary, called an oophorectomy, isn't common among young women. Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Oct. 2018 Medical treatments may also be necessary for those who enter menopause because of chemotherapy and radiation, oophorectomy (the surgical removal of the ovaries), or premature menopause, which is when women enter menopause before the age of 40. Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, 6 Sep. 2018

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near oophorectomy

Cite this Entry

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

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

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