ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: the process of ablating: such as
a
: surgical removal
b
: loss of a part (such as ice from a glacier or the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

Examples of ablation 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.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nerve ablation is a procedure that destroys nerves in an area of pain. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 Among the oldest and less common is radiofrequency ablation, in which the surgeon inserts electrodes that have their tips heated to 70 degrees Celsius into the skull to generate a lesion. Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 But studying laser ablation, McLaughlin said, would mean drilling holes in the skill of someone not getting treatment. Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 The legacy way to treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation used extreme heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation). Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ablation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ablacioun "removal," borrowed from Late Latin ablātiōn-, ablātiō, from Latin ablā-, suppletive stem of auferre "to carry away, remove" + -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at ablate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ablation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ablation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ablation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ablation

noun
ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: the process of ablating: as
a
: surgical cutting and removal
b
: removal of a part (as the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

Medical Definition

ablation

noun
ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: the process of ablating
especially : surgical removal

More from Merriam-Webster on ablation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!