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

Levitt has had five surgeries since May 2008, starting with a colostomy that later became an ileostomy. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 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

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

Sometimes, a colectomy or diverting colostomy – cutting the colon above the level of the cancer and attaching the end to an opening in the skin on the belly to allow waste out – may be performed. —CBS News, 7 Dec. 2022

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