Definition

The act of making something less noticeable or less prominent, often used in medical contexts to describe the thinning of the cervix during labor.

Example

The doctor explained that effacement is an important part of the labor process.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the concept of effacement in pregnancy?

Yeah, I think it has to do with the cervix preparing for labor, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how the body works to make everything happen smoothly.

Definitely, it’s amazing how much we don't realize until we learn about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Effacement is formed from "ef-" (a variant of "ex-", meaning out or away) and "facere" (meaning to make or do). The word describes the act of making something disappear or removing it, as if it has been made away with.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making away' ('facere') with something 'out' ('ef-') — that's why effacement means the act of removing or erasing.

Visually Confused Words