: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery

Examples of open-heart in a Sentence

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.
However, Jones said that a 2010 heart disease diagnosis and subsequent open-heart surgery pushed her to learn even more about health — and to help educate others about theirs. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 11 May 2025 In 2017, Kimmel told The Hollywood Reporter that the comedians had put their differences behind them after his newborn son underwent open-heart surgery. Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Mixson needed emergency open-heart surgery to bypass two arteries. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025 Mary Alice was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at four months and underwent four open-heart surgeries to receive a new mitral valve. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open-heart

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-heart was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Open-heart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-heart. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

open-heart

adjective
: of, relating to, or done on a heart temporarily stopped and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery

Medical Definition

open-heart

adjective
: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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