oophorectomy

noun oo·pho·rec·to·my \ ˌō-ə-fə-ˈrek-tə-mē \

Updated on: 23 Mar 2018

Definition of oophorectomy

plural oophorectomies

: the surgical removal of an ovary — called also ovariectomy

Recent Examples of oophorectomy from the Web

Removing both the ovaries and fallopian tubes, in a procedure known as a salpingo-oophorectomy, is also an option that may make sense depending on a person’s situation.

— zahra barnes, SELF, "Lena Dunham Had a Total Hysterectomy to Treat Her Endometriosis," 14 Feb. 2018
All of the women reached menopause naturally, none because of a hysterectomy, oophorectomy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

— linda searing, Washington Post, "Younger women who are underweight may be more prone to early menopause," 29 Oct. 2017
The surgery is known as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).

— korin miller, SELF, "Christina Applegate Had Her Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes Removed to Reduce Her Cancer Risk," 12 Oct. 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

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

Origin and Etymology of oophorectomy

New Latin oophoron ovary (from o- + Greek -phoron, neuter of -phoros -phore) + English -ectomy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1872

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

oophorectomy

noun oo·pho·rec·to·my \ ˌō-ə-fə-ˈrek-tə-mē \

medical Definition of oophorectomy

plural oophorectomies

: the surgical removal of an ovary — called also ovariectomy

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oophorectomy

Definition of oophorectomy

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Origin and Etymology of oophorectomy

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oophorectomy

medical Definition of oophorectomy

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oophorectomy

Definition of oophorectomy

Recent Examples of oophorectomy from the Web

Origin and Etymology of oophorectomy

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oophorectomy

medical Definition of oophorectomy

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