Definition

A surgical procedure that involves the removal of the clitoris, often performed for cultural or medical reasons.

Example

Clitoridectomy is a controversial practice that raises significant ethical concerns.

Conversation

I was reading about different cultural practices, and I came across the term clitoridectomy.

That's a serious topic; it's a form of female circumcision, right?

Yeah, it really made me think about the impact it has on women's health.

Absolutely, it's important to raise awareness about such issues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Clitoridectomy is formed from "clitoris" (from Greek "kleitoris", meaning the small organ of sexual pleasure) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē", meaning excision or surgical removal). The word refers to the surgical removal of the clitoris.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for the small organ of sexual pleasure ('kleitoris') and the term for surgical removal ('-ectomy') to remember that clitoridectomy means the surgical removal of the clitoris.

Visually Confused Words