orchiectomy

noun

or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē How to pronounce orchiectomy (audio)
plural orchiectomies
: surgical removal of one or both testes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Now, Jane's facial feminization surgery and orchiectomy (surgery to remove testicles) have been canceled until further notice. Li Cohen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2020 But even with a private nurse, my father soon developed bedsores, and then suffered the agony of an orchiectomy to remove gangrenous testicles. Lynn Freed, Harper's magazine, 10 Mar. 2019 That leads to denials when, say, a doctor seeks reimbursement for a transgender woman's orchiectomy. CNN, 31 May 2018 Silletti started performing orchiectomies on transgender patients in 2013. CNN, 31 May 2018 The treatment is called an orchiectomy, which is the removal of the testis via the lower abdomen wall. Luke O'neil, Esquire, 14 Dec. 2017 Dos Santos said Wright has requested an orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the testicles, before she is released from state custody next year. OregonLive.com, 24 Oct. 2017 And so the doctor scheduled an orchiectomy — or surgical removal of the testicle — to help alleviate Hanes's pain. Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 18 June 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchiectomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek órchis "testicle" + -ectomy — more at orchis

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchiectomy was circa 1894

Dictionary Entries Near orchiectomy

Cite this Entry

“Orchiectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchiectomy. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

orchiectomy

noun
or·​chi·​ec·​to·​my ˌȯr-kē-ˈek-tə-mē How to pronounce orchiectomy (audio)
variants also orchectomy
plural orchiectomies
: surgical excision of a testis or of both testes

called also orchidectomy

More from Merriam-Webster on orchiectomy

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