Definition

A surgical cut made in the area between the vagina and the anus during childbirth to help with delivery.

Example

The doctor performed an episiotomy to make the delivery easier for the mother and baby.

Conversation

I heard that some women might need an episiotomy during childbirth.

Yeah, it’s a common procedure to help with delivery.

That sounds a bit scary, though.

It can be, but doctors usually discuss it beforehand.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Episiotomy is formed from "episi-" (from Greek "epision", meaning vulva) and "-otomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning cutting). The word refers to the surgical procedure of cutting the vulva to facilitate childbirth.

Memory Tip

Think of the term 'episi-' which relates to the vulva and '-otomy' meaning cutting, so an episiotomy is a surgical cut made in that area.

Visually Confused Words