splenectomy

noun

sple·​nec·​to·​my spli-ˈnek-tə-mē How to pronounce splenectomy (audio)
plural splenectomies
: surgical removal of the spleen
splenectomize
spli-ˈnek-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce splenectomy (audio)
transitive verb

Examples of splenectomy 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.
The organ was surgically removed the next day during a splenectomy, according to the complaint. — Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 However, a splenectomy does permanently reduce the body’s ability to fight infection and does not fully prevent relapse, although remission of ITP following the operation is 60 to 70 percent. — Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of splenectomy was circa 1859

Rhymes for splenectomy

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splendour
splenectomy
spleneolus
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“Splenectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splenectomy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

splenectomy

noun
sple·​nec·​to·​my spli-ˈnek-tə-mē How to pronounce splenectomy (audio)
plural splenectomies
: surgical excision of the spleen

More from Merriam-Webster on splenectomy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about splenectomy

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