What does vasectomize mean?
Vasectomize is a formal medical verb meaning to perform a vasectomy, a surgical procedure that interrupts the vas deferens, the duct carrying sperm from the testicles. In humans, vasectomization is used as a permanent or long-term method of male contraception because sperm can no longer enter the semen. It does not remove the testes or significantly reduce testosterone production, and it ordinarily does not impair erections or the ability to ejaculate. The verb is also used in veterinary contexts, especially in population-control programs for male animals. Although "vasectomy" is the more familiar noun for the operation, "vasectomize" is useful when emphasizing the action performed on an individual. The word belongs to a technical vocabulary derived from Latin and Greek anatomical and surgical terminology.
verbTo perform a vasectomy on someone, especially a male animal, by cutting or removing a portion of the vas deferens. In humans, the procedure prevents sperm from reaching the semen and is a permanent method of male contraception.
- To perform a vasectomy, especially on a male animal, thereby preventing sperm from passing through the vas deferens.
"The veterinarian vasectomized the dog as part of a routine population-control program."
"After counseling and obtaining consent, the surgeon vasectomized the patient."
"The breeding program vasectomized several dogs to prevent them from reproducing."
Vasectomize interrupts the route sperm take without removing the testes or ordinarily disrupting sexual function.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vasectomize
The word is built from Latin "vas," meaning a vessel or duct, as used in the anatomical term "vas deferens," and Greek "ektomē," meaning excision or removal. The established noun "vasectomy" was in use before the verb form became common. The suffix "-ize" adds the sense of performing or making the condition denoted by the noun, while related medical terms include "vasal" and "vasovasostomy."
Related word forms
How vasectomize is actually used
This is a formal medical or veterinary verb. In human medicine, the noun "vasectomy" is generally more common when referring to the operation itself, while "vasectomize" identifies the act performed on a particular patient or animal.
Easily confused with vasectomize
A vasectomy is the surgical procedure itself, whereas to vasectomize is to perform that procedure on someone.
A vasovasostomy is a surgical operation that reconnects the vas deferens, whereas a vasectomy interrupts or removes part of it.