Definition

To remove the internal contents of an organ or body part, often used in a medical context.

Example

The surgeon had to exenterate the tumor to prevent further spread of the disease.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the surgery where they exenterate an organ?

Yeah, I read about it in a medical article; it sounds intense.

I can't imagine going through something like that.

Me neither, but sometimes it's necessary for health reasons.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exenterate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "enteron" (from Greek, meaning intestine). The word describes the act of removing the intestines or internal organs, literally meaning to take out of the intestines.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking out' ('ex-') something from the 'intestines' ('enteron') — that's why exenterate means to remove internal organs.

Visually Confused Words