colostomy

noun

co·​los·​to·​my kə-ˈlä-stə-mē 

plural colostomies

: surgical formation of an artificial anus by connecting the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall

Examples of colostomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine being just 24 years old, newly fitted with an irreversible colostomy and told to start dying. —Carissa Talmage, People.com, 2 May 2025

It is created in the gastrointestinal tract in colostomies and ileostomies to collect waste that cannot pass through your colon. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

After losing 30 pounds, spending a month in the hospital with limited mobility and a reversed colostomy, the Ravenswood resident is about making change — in his life, and in others’. —Darcel Rockett, chicagotribune.com, 23 Sep. 2020

Hurt People assists a range of disabled survivors, including those who use wheelchairs and those with colostomy bags. —Neelam Bohra, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary col- entry 2 + -stomy

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for colostomy

• lobotomy
• bonhomie
• naomi
• salome
• foamy
• homey
• komi
• loamy
• potawatomi
• tracheostomy

Medical Definition

colostomy

noun

co·​los·​to·​my kə-ˈläs-tə-mē 

plural colostomies

: surgical formation of an artificial anus by connecting the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall compare colotomy