Definition

The act of surgically removing the contents of a body cavity, such as the organs inside the abdomen or the eye socket.

Example

The doctor explained that exenteration might be necessary to treat the cancer effectively.

Conversation

Did you hear about the surgery they performed on that patient?

Yeah, I heard it involved an exenteration procedure.

It's pretty intense to think about removing all those organs.

I know, right? But sometimes it's necessary for the patient's health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exenteration → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "enteron" (from Greek, meaning intestine). The word refers to the surgical removal of the internal organs, particularly the intestines, hence the meaning of removing from within.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('ex-') something 'from within' ('enteron') — that's why exenteration means to take out internal organs.

Visually Confused Words