What does cephalotomy mean?
Cephalotomy is a rare or obsolete term referring to the surgical removal of the head or a part of the head. This procedure was often performed in the context of medical or anatomical procedures. The term is derived from the Greek words 'cephal-' meaning head and '-otomy' meaning surgical cutting. Cephalotomy is not commonly used in modern medical practice, but it is of interest to historians and scholars of medical terminology. The procedure was used in the past to remove tumors or other abnormalities from the head. While it is no longer a standard medical procedure, cephalotomy remains an important term in the history of medicine. Its use is primarily limited to academic or historical contexts.
nounCephalotomy is a rare or obsolete term referring to the surgical removal of the head or a part of the head, often in the context of medical or anatomical procedures.
- The surgical removal of the head or a part of the head.
"The surgeon performed a cephalotomy to remove the patient's tumor."
"The surgeon performed a cephalotomy to remove the patient's tumor."
"In medical history, cephalotomy was a term used to describe a specific type of surgical procedure."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cephalotomy
The term cephalotomy is derived from the Greek words 'cephal-' meaning head and '-otomy' meaning surgical cutting. This combination of roots suggests a surgical procedure involving the head or a part of the head. The term has been used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific type of surgical procedure.
Usage notes
Cephalotomy is a rare or obsolete term and is not commonly used in modern medical practice. It is primarily of interest to historians and scholars of medical terminology.