thyroidectomy

noun

thy·​roid·​ec·​to·​my ˌthī-ˌrȯi-ˈdek-tə-mē How to pronounce thyroidectomy (audio)
ˌthī-rə-
plural thyroidectomies
: surgical removal of thyroid gland tissue
thyroidectomized adjective

Examples of thyroidectomy 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.
Those that do not go into remission or those that cannot take medication can be treated with radioactive iodine ablation or surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland, called a thyroidectomy, says Ogilvie. Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2024 These may include antibiotics to treat underlying infections, hydration, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy to relieve symptoms, or a thyroidectomy to remove the thyroid gland. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 4 July 2024 Since her thyroidectomy, Burke has been cancer-free. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 8 July 2023 People who have had a thyroidectomy will need to take daily thyroid hormone pills, according the American Cancer Society's website. Stephen Simpson, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

thyroid entry 1 + -ectomy

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thyroidectomy was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Thyroidectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thyroidectomy. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

thyroidectomy

noun
thy·​roid·​ec·​to·​my ˌthī-ˌrȯid-ˈek-tə-mē, -rəd- How to pronounce thyroidectomy (audio)
plural thyroidectomies
: surgical excision of thyroid gland tissue

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