trephination

noun

treph·​i·​na·​tion ˌtre-fə-ˈnā-shən 

: an act or instance of perforating the skull with a surgical instrument

Examples of trephination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The brother who received the trephination died soon after, the study concluded, as the bones showed no signs of healing. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2023

Having a hole surgically bored into your skull is called trephination, and it’s considered the world’s first form of surgery. — Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2021

The Woman's skull is a fine example of trephination - the practice of deliberately cutting holes in the skull. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2012

Roughly two-thirds of the skulls that have been found bearing trephination marks also show evidence of subsequent bone healing. — Amy Barth, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2010

Word History

Etymology

trephine + -ation

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trephination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

trephination

noun

treph·​i·​na·​tion ˌtref-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: an act or instance of using a trephine (as to perforate the skull)