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Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

trephining

/ˈtrɛfɪniŋ/ noun · British & US
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What does trephining mean?

noun

A surgical operation in which a circular piece of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain, or to relieve pain or pressure in the skull. This was a common practice in pre-modern medicine.

Example

"The ancient Egyptians used trephining to treat head injuries and relieve pressure on the brain."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for trephining

Rhymes with trephining

Etymologically related