brachytherapy

noun

brachy·​ther·​a·​py ˌbra-ki-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce brachytherapy (audio)
-ˈthe-rə-
: radiotherapy in which the source of radiation is placed (as by implantation) in or close to the area being treated

Examples of brachytherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since then, radiation has evolved into treatments that include modern brachytherapy, inserting a radioactive source into a tumor, and focused beams of ionizing radiation that kill off cells while incurring as little off-target damage as possible. Angus Chen, STAT, 15 Aug. 2023 Another form of brachytherapy involves inserting small metal rods that remain in the prostate for a couple of days while radiation is delivered into the prostate on an inpatient basis. Dr. Jared Heiner, idahostatesman, 19 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brachytherapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brachytherapy was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near brachytherapy

Cite this Entry

“Brachytherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brachytherapy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Medical Definition

brachytherapy

noun
brachy·​ther·​a·​py -ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce brachytherapy (audio)
plural brachytherapies
: radiotherapy in which the source of radiation is placed (as by implantation) in or close to the area being treated

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