open-heart

adjective \ ˌō-pən-ˈhärt \

Definition of open-heart

: 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

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First Known Use of open-heart

1959

in the meaning defined above

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OPEN-HEART Defined for English Language Learners

open-heart

adjective

Definition of open-heart for English Language Learners

medical : done by stopping the heart from beating for a period of time, opening the heart, and repairing damage

Medical Dictionary

open-heart

adjective

medical Definition of open-heart

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