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.
Endovenous ablation: Your provider uses a laser or radiofrequency to seal off the vein. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 4 Sep. 2025 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 There are some additional procedures like hysteroscopic myomectomy, which is the removal of fibroids through the cervix, and endometrial ablation (which does not remove fibroids but can help with heavy bleeding). 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ablation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ablation. Accessed 15 Sep. 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

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