What does enucleate mean?
The verb enucleate means to remove or cut out the contents of something, often in a surgical operation. This can involve the eye, a tumor, or other abnormal growth. In medical contexts, enucleate is used to describe the removal of a tumor or other growth, and is often used in formal or technical writing. The word has a Latin root, enucleare, and has been adopted into French and other languages. In English, enucleate is typically used in formal or technical contexts, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it is an important word in medical and scientific contexts, and is used to describe a specific and important procedure.
verbTo remove or cut out the contents of something, especially the eye or a tumor, often in a surgical operation.
- To remove or cut out the contents of something, especially the eye or a tumor, often in a surgical operation.
"The surgeon enucleated the tumor to prevent it from spreading."
"The surgeon enucleated the tumor to prevent it from spreading."
"In medical school, students learned how to enucleate a tumor safely."
The plural form enucleates is used to describe multiple tumors or growths that have been removed.
"The surgeon enucleated multiple tumors during the operation."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enucleate
The word enucleate comes from the Latin enucleare, which means 'to remove the kernel or core'. This Latin root has been adopted into French and other languages, and has been used to describe the removal of a tumor or other abnormal growth. In English, the word enucleate has been used since the 17th century to describe a surgical procedure, and has been adopted into medical and scientific contexts.
Usage notes
In medical contexts, enucleate typically refers to the removal of a tumor or other abnormal growth. It is often used in formal or technical writing.