ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən 

: 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

The most common procedure is called an ablation, which is when a specialized cardiologist uses catheters to follow the heart’s electrical activity. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Radiofrequency ablation, especially, is a relatively new and rare procedure in the United States. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025

There are many methods of ablation, one being radiofrequency ablation – a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to shrink fibroids individually, helping to reduce their size and ease symptoms. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 July 2025

Nonsurgical procedures such as endovenous laser ablation or sclerotherapy may also be included in treatment plans. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025

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

Rhymes for ablation

• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation
• conflation

Kids Definition

ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən 

: 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 

: the process of ablating

especially : surgical removal