appendectomy
noun
ap·pen·dec·to·my
ˌa-pən-ˈdek-tə-mē 
ˌa-ˌpen-
plural appendectomies
: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
Did you know?
The appendix is a tiny tube attached to the large intestine that no longer has any real function. Appendicitis—inflammation and swelling of the appendix, usually as a result of bacterial infection—generally occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, and is the most common reason for emergency surgery in the U.S. today. Since the appendix has so little to do, appendectomies normally have no negative aftereffects at all. If appendicitis is ignored, bacteria may enter the blood and infect other parts of the body.
Examples of appendectomy in a Sentence
The surgeon performed an appendectomy on her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Embiid dealt with an oblique strain that limited him to seven games after the All-Star break, and an appendectomy delayed yet another playoff appearance, which ended in a sweep by the Knicks after the Sixers rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate Boston.
—
Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026
In its very first year of operation (1961), an infamous self surgery, an appendectomy to be exact, took place by the station doctor, consequently there are now 2 doctors on site.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Doctors urgently referred her to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's, where pediatric surgeon Steven Rothenberg performed a minimally invasive appendectomy.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Embiid had an appendectomy late in the regular season.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
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Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026
In its very first year of operation (1961), an infamous self surgery, an appendectomy to be exact, took place by the station doctor, consequently there are now 2 doctors on site.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Doctors urgently referred her to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's, where pediatric surgeon Steven Rothenberg performed a minimally invasive appendectomy.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Embiid had an appendectomy late in the regular season.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for appendectomy
Cite this Entry
“Appendectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appendectomy. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appendectomy
noun
ap·pen·dec·to·my
ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē
ˌap-ˌen-
plural appendectomies
: surgical removal of the human appendix
Medical Definition
appendectomy
noun
ap·pen·dec·to·my
ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē
plural appendectomies
: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
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