Definition

A type of brain surgery that involves cutting certain connections in the prefrontal cortex, often used to treat severe mental disorders.

Example

The doctor explained that a leukotomy might be considered for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a leukotomy?

Yeah, I read about it; it's quite an old procedure, right?

Exactly! It's related to prefrontal lobotomies, if I'm not mistaken.

Right, it's interesting how medical practices evolve over time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Leukotomy → It is formed from "leuko-" (from Greek "leukos", meaning white) and "-tomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning cutting). The word refers to the surgical procedure of cutting into the white matter of the brain.

Memory Tip

Think of 'white' ('leuko-') and 'cutting' ('-tomy') to remember that leukotomy involves cutting into the white matter of the brain.

Visually Confused Words