mastoidectomy

noun

mas·toid·ec·to·my ˌma-ˌstȯi-ˈdek-tə-mē

plural mastoidectomies

: surgical removal of part of the mastoid process of the temporal bone

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web According to the Independent, the placement of the cuts suggests the patient had a mastoidectomy—surgery undertaken to treat an infection of the mastoid bones, which are located just behind each ear. —

Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Feb. 2022 In a radical mastoidectomy, the surgeon will first make a cut behind the ear and then use a bone drill to open access to the middle ear cavity. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2022

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