Clitoridotomy

/ˌklɪtərɪˈdɒtəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure involving incision or division of the clitoris, as distinguished from complete removal.

Etymology

From clitoris + Greek -tomē meaning 'cutting' or 'incision.' This surgical term distinguishes the procedure from clitoridectomy (complete removal) through the suffix difference.

Kelly Says

Medical language is incredibly precise—English has separate words for 'cutting out' (ectomy) versus 'cutting into' (otomy), which shows how surgery required very specific terminology.

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