What does uterectomy mean?
A uterectomy is a surgical operation involving the removal of the uterus. The term is accurate but relatively uncommon in everyday English, where hysterectomy is normally preferred; nevertheless, it appears in medical writing, reference works, and discussions of specific surgical procedures. A uterectomy may be performed for several reasons, including severe fibroids, endometriosis, certain forms of abnormal uterine bleeding, and some cancers or precancerous conditions. It is a major operation, and its possible effects on fertility, hormonal function, and recovery make careful medical discussion important. The word is also sometimes used when a specialist wants to state the procedure's basic meaning directly or when distinguishing it from related operations involving the ovaries, cervix, or other reproductive structures. Although it is not the most frequent everyday term, uterectomy remains a useful and precise medical expression.
nounA surgical operation in which the uterus is removed. It is a less common term for the procedure generally known as a hysterectomy.
- Surgical removal of the uterus.
"The surgeon performed an uterectomy after imaging revealed severe fibroids."
"She underwent an uterectomy after a biopsy confirmed a serious condition."
"The medical textbook uses uterectomy as a synonym for hysterectomy but discusses the procedure in greater detail."
The standard plural is formed by changing -y to -ies and adding -es.
"The hospital performed hundreds of uterectomies during the year."
Uterectomy literally means “cutting out the uterus”—a blunt description of one of medicine's most consequential operations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uterectomy come from?
Uterectomy combines Latin uterus, meaning “womb,” with the combining form -ectomy, which comes from Greek ektomē, meaning “excision” or “a cutting out.” The resulting medical term therefore denotes excision of the uterus. Related English forms include uterus, uterine, and the combining form utero-, all of which reflect the same Latin root.
How uterectomy is actually used
This is a formal medical term, chiefly used in clinical, academic, and dictionary contexts. In contemporary usage, hysterectomy is more common and better understood by general audiences. It may be pronounced with an initial “y” sound.
Easily confused with uterectomy
Both terms refer to surgical removal of the uterus, but hysterectomy is the standard term, while uterectomy is a less common synonym.