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
The 76ers were playing without their third veteran star, center Joel Embiid, who has been out since undergoing an emergency appendectomy earlier this month.
—
Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
The Celtics are heavily favored against the Sixers, who will be without superstar center Joel Embiid (appendectomy) for at least the start of their opening-round series.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
The 76ers played the game without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent appendectomy surgery earlier this month.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
Philly, meanwhile, will be playing at a significant disadvantage as Joel Embiid sits while recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appendectomy
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Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
The Celtics are heavily favored against the Sixers, who will be without superstar center Joel Embiid (appendectomy) for at least the start of their opening-round series.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
The 76ers played the game without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent appendectomy surgery earlier this month.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
Philly, meanwhile, will be playing at a significant disadvantage as Joel Embiid sits while recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appendectomy
Cite this Entry
“Appendectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appendectomy. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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