excision

noun ex·ci·sion \ ik-ˈsi-zhən \

Updated on: 17 Mar 2018

Definition of excision

: the act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out; especially : surgical removal or resection

—

excisional

play \ik-ˈsizh-nəl, -ˈsi-zhə-nəl\ adjective

Recent Examples of excision from the Web

The procedure would have involved temporary surgical removal of part of the frontal bone of the skull and excision of the bone tumor to close the leak that was sending air into the brain.

— mark lieber, CNN, "Doctors find air pocket hidden in man's brain," 13 Mar. 2018
In perhaps his first architectural excision, Matta-Clark tore out the storefront’s walls to achieve an open-plan kitchen and exhibited one of the fragments as a sculpture at 112 Greene Street.

— roberta smith, New York Times, "Back in the Bronx: Gordon Matta-Clark, Rogue Sculptor," 11 Jan. 2018
Between 1965 and 1970, the Mass underwent not just a precise, minor excision or addition here or there, as in the past.

— nicholas frankovich, National Review, "All Americans Are a Little Italian, Christians Are Spiritually Jewish," 21 Sep. 2017
Depending on the location of the pregnancy, other excisions, such as an oophorectomy (removal of the ovary) might be needed in place of or in addition to the salpingectomy.

— joanna petrone, Longreads, "Pregnant, then Ruptured," 18 Aug. 2017
The photo shows the results of an excision — a.k.a.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Here's Why You Should NEVER Go For Bargain Lip Fillers," 15 Aug. 2017
For followers of EDM, this year’s Moonrise — in its fifth year -- boasted arguably its strongest lineup yet, with headliners like Kaskade, Afrojack, Zed’s Dead, Excision and Pretty Lights Live.

— wesley case, baltimoresun.com, "Moonrise Festival: a strong lineup amid the sensory overload," 14 Aug. 2017
The excision mechanism consists of two molecules: an enzyme (Cas9) derived from a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, and a piece of RNA, a chemical akin to DNA that is made up of similar genetic letters.

— The Economist, "Gene drivesA promising means of pest control meets some evolutionary truths," 22 July 2017
Once the depth of the burn is determined, the patient may have surgical excisions and skin grafting to begin the recovery process.

— daniella emanuel, CNN, "What to know about acid burns," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excision.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of excision

Middle French, from Latin excision-, excisio, from excidere

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First Known Use: 1541

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

excision

noun ex·ci·sion \ ik-ˈsizh-ən \

medical Definition of excision

: surgical removal or resection (as of a diseased part)

—

excisional

play \-ˈsizh-nəl, -ᵊn-əl\ adjective

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See words that rhyme with excision Nglish: Translation of excision for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of excision for Arabic speakers

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excision

Definition of excision

excisional

Recent Examples of excision from the Web

Origin and Etymology of excision

Medical Dictionary

excision

medical Definition of excision

excisional

Learn More about excision

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excision

Definition of excision

excisional

Recent Examples of excision from the Web

Origin and Etymology of excision

Medical Dictionary

excision

medical Definition of excision

excisional

Learn More about excision

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