ablation

play

noun ab·la·tion \ a-ˈblā-shən \

Definition of ablation

: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

See ablation defined for kids

Recent Examples of ablation from the Web

He was admitted to Temple University Hospital and underwent an ablation procedure.

— david becker, Philly.com, "Medical mystery: A shocking heart ailment," 14 July 2017
The 58-year-old Francona was supposed to manage the American League during Tuesday’s All-Star Game but opted out after undergoing a cardiac ablation procedure at the Cleveland Clinic on July 6.

— michael wagaman, The Seattle Times, "Francona rejoins Indians a week after heart procedure," 13 July 2017
Francona was released from the Cleveland Clinic on Friday night, one day after undergoing a cardiac ablation for an irregular heartbeat.

— tom withers, chicagotribune.com, "Indians manager Terry Francona out of hospital after heart procedure," 8 July 2017
Francona underwent a catheter ablation to address an irregular heartbeat and is expected to join the the team after the All-Star break.

— scooby axson, SI.com, "Indians' Terry Francona won't manage AL All-Stars after heart procedure," 7 July 2017
Ablation of 2 spots on liver, removed spleen and gallbladder.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Good news in John Andretti's cancer fight," 29 June 2017
Ablation of 2 spots on liver, removed spleen and gall bladder.

— jim ayello, USA TODAY Sports, "Good news in John Andretti's cancer fight," 29 June 2017
The procedure, known as laser ablation, also reduces a patient’s hospital stay.

— by allison horton, miamiherald, "It may sound like sci-fi, but the new way to treat a brain tumor is to vaporize it," 26 May 2017
Bochy had missed the two-game series at Kansas City after undergoing what was termed a minor ablation procedure in San Diego on Monday.

— andrew baggarly, The Mercury News, "Giants manager Bruce Bochy “ready to roll” after heart procedure," 21 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ablation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ablation

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year