appendectomy

noun

ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌa-pən-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce appendectomy (audio)
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
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.
Morgan said left tackle Ikem Ekwonu could miss Week 1 following his weekend appendectomy surgery. Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025 The Carolina Panthers will be without a significant piece of their offensive line heading into Week 1 after left tackle Ickey Ekwonu had an emergency appendectomy on Sunday. Eduardo Razo, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 Lloyd played in just one game and 10 total snaps during a rookie season ruined by hamstring and ankle injuries, as well as an emergency appendectomy. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 But last year, Pack suffered serious eye problems and underwent an emergency appendectomy. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appendectomy

Word History

Etymology

Latin appendic-, appendix + English -ectomy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appendectomy was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appendectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appendectomy. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

appendectomy

noun
ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce appendectomy (audio)
ˌap-ˌen-
plural appendectomies
: surgical removal of the human appendix

Medical Definition

appendectomy

noun
ap·​pen·​dec·​to·​my ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce appendectomy (audio)
plural appendectomies
: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

More from Merriam-Webster on appendectomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!