Definition

A surgical procedure that creates an opening from the colon to the outside of the body, allowing waste to exit through the abdominal wall.

Example

After the surgery, he had to adjust to life with a colostomy.

Conversation

I heard your friend had to get a colostomy recently.

Yeah, it was a tough situation for him.

I can only imagine how he must be feeling about the colostomy surgery.

It's definitely a big adjustment, but he's staying positive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colostomy → It is formed from "colo-" (from Latin "colon", meaning the large intestine) and "-stomy" (from Greek "stoma", meaning mouth or opening). The word refers to the creation of an opening in the abdominal wall for the colon, allowing waste to exit the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'colon' as the part of the intestine and 'stoma' as an opening — a colostomy is an opening created for the colon.

Visually Confused Words