ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən 

: the process of ablating: such as

a

: surgical removal

b

: loss of a part (such as ice from a glacier or the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

Examples of ablation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Laser ablation, which aims a focused beam at cells, accounted for about 45% of procedures. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

Acclaro calls it cold ablation, and says the platform is designed for use across a range of skin types, including Fitzpatrick types III through VI, the classifications covering most people with olive, brown and Black skin. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

The investigators use tools such as X‑ray fluorescence spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and laser ablation mass spectrometry. — Gabriela Sa Pessoa, Fortune, 24 July 2026

The Phillies said Miller will undergo a procedure called radiofrequency ablation of the facet joints on Friday. — Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ablacioun "removal," borrowed from Late Latin ablātiōn-, ablātiō, from Latin ablā-, suppletive stem of auferre "to carry away, remove" + -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at ablate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ablation

• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən 

: the process of ablating: as

a

: surgical cutting and removal

b

: removal of a part (as the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

Medical Definition

ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən 

: the process of ablating

especially : surgical removal