appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌa-pən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

ˌa-ˌpen-

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

Did you know?

The appendix is a tiny tube attached to the large intestine that no longer has any real function. Appendicitis—inflammation and swelling of the appendix, usually as a result of bacterial infection—generally occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, and is the most common reason for emergency surgery in the U.S. today. Since the appendix has so little to do, appendectomies normally have no negative aftereffects at all. If appendicitis is ignored, bacteria may enter the blood and infect other parts of the body.

Examples of appendectomy in a Sentence

The surgeon performed an appendectomy on her.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2002, drum tech John Douglas subbed in for Beard when the drummer underwent an emergency appendectomy. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026

The band noted that Douglas had also filled in when Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy back in 2002. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

John Douglas — a longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer — replaced Beard in the interim, having done so previously when the veteran drummer underwent an emergency appendectomy in 2002. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The pitching staff is missing RHPs Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), Joel Kuhnel (rotator cuff) and Quinn Priester (thoracic outlet syndrome) and LHPs JoJo Romero (appendectomy), Rob Zastryzny (trap), Angel Zerpa (forearm) and Brian Fitzpatrick (UCL). — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

append(ix) + -ectomy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for appendectomy

• hepatectomy
• hysterectomy
• iridectomy
• laminectomy
• laryngectomy
• oophorectomy
• pneumonectomy
• prostatectomy
• sympathectomy
• thyroidectomy
• tonsillectomy
• adrenalectomy

Kids Definition

appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

ˌap-ˌen-

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the human appendix

Medical Definition

appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē 

plural appendectomies

: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix