vagotomy

noun

va·​got·​o·​my vā-ˈgä-tə-mē How to pronounce vagotomy (audio)
plural vagotomies
: surgical division of the vagus nerve

Examples of vagotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The company also flags baseline cardiac disease, abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, prior cervical vagotomy, abnormal cervical anatomy, brain tumor or aneurysm history, head trauma, syncope, seizures and nickel allergy as unevaluated risks. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Vagotomie, from Vagus vagus nerve + -o- -o- + -tomie -tomy

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vagotomy was circa 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Vagotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vagotomy. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

vagotomy

noun
va·​got·​o·​my vā-ˈgät-ə-mē How to pronounce vagotomy (audio)
plural vagotomies
: surgical division of the vagus nerve
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