ablation

noun

ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 In one system, that patient may be referred quickly for ablation. — Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Medication can help but the main treatment is ablation, when doctors thread catheters to the heart to burn misfiring tissue. — ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ablation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ablation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ablation

See All Rhymes for ablation

Browse Nearby Words

ablate
ablation
ablatival
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Cite this Entry

“Ablation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ablation. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ablation

noun
ab·​la·​tion a-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce ablation (audio)
: the process of ablating
especially : surgical removal

More from Merriam-Webster on ablation

Nglish: Translation of ablation for Spanish Speakers

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