craniotomy

noun

cra·​ni·​ot·​o·​my ˌkrā-nē-ˈä-tə-mē How to pronounce craniotomy (audio)
plural craniotomies
: surgical opening of the skull

Examples of craniotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a craniotomy, the portion of the skull that was removed is replaced (craniectomy) after the swelling goes down. — Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025 Mellencamp underwent a craniotomy with a tumor resection, where four tumors were removed from her brain. — Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Fifteen years ago, St. John underwent two craniotomies at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to remove tumors, then volunteered to meet with patients preparing for similar brain surgeries to offer them comfort, humor and reassurance. — Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025 Fifteen years ago, St. John underwent two craniotomies to remove tumors, later volunteering for Dr. Keith Black and Cedars-Sinai Neurology, meeting with patients preparing for brain surgery. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for craniotomy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of craniotomy was in 1855

Rhymes for craniotomy

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Browse Nearby Words

Craniota
craniotomy
craniotopography
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Cite this Entry

“Craniotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craniotomy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

craniotomy

noun
cra·​ni·​ot·​o·​my ˌkrā-nē-ˈät-ə-mē How to pronounce craniotomy (audio)
plural craniotomies
1
: the operation of cutting or crushing the fetal head to effect delivery
fetal craniotomies … performed to save the life of the mother— R. E. Frisch
2
: surgical opening of the skull
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