keratectomy

noun

ker·a·tec·to·my ˌker-ə-ˈtek-tə-mē

plural keratectomies

: surgical excision of part of the cornea compare photorefractive keratectomy

Word History

Etymology

kerat- + -ectomy

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of keratectomy was in 1871

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

kerat-

keratectomy

Keraterpeton

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Keratectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keratectomy. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

keratectomy

noun

ker·a·tec·to·my ˌker-ə-ˈtek-tə-mē

plural keratectomies

: surgical excision of part of the cornea see photorefractive keratectomy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

sartorial

Listen to the pronunciation of sartorial

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 3

‘Fascism’: The Word’s Meaning and History

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

Why Is the Sport Called ‘Pickleball’?

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 3

‘Fascism’: The Word’s Meaning and History