rhizotomy

noun

rhi·​zot·​o·​my rī-ˈzä-tə-mē How to pronounce rhizotomy (audio)
plural rhizotomies
: the operation of cutting the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots

Examples of rhizotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web People with spasticity in their legs may benefit from selective dorsal rhizotomy, which is a surgery that involves disconnecting nerve fibers in the spinal cord5. Lauren Sieben, SELF, 22 Mar. 2022 There are risks associated with selective dorsal rhizotomy, most commonly ongoing numbness in the legs after the operation, but the benefits may outweigh the risks for many people. Lauren Sieben, SELF, 22 Mar. 2022 Historically, selective dorsal rhizotomy has been performed on children. Lauren Sieben, SELF, 22 Mar. 2022 In May, her family traveled to Missouri where Maya underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery with Dr. T.S. Park, one of the nation’s leading pediatric neurosurgeons and a pioneer of the surgery, according to the family's website. Deasia Paige, Detroit Free Press, 6 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rhizotomy.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhizotomy was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near rhizotomy

Cite this Entry

“Rhizotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhizotomy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

rhizotomy

noun
rhi·​zot·​o·​my rī-ˈzät-ə-mē How to pronounce rhizotomy (audio)
plural rhizotomies
: the operation of cutting the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots
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