Definition

A type of surgery where a lobe of an organ, such as the lung or thyroid, is removed.

Example

The doctor recommended a lobectomy to treat the patient's lung condition.

Conversation

I heard that John had to have a lobectomy last week.

Oh no, I hope he's doing okay now.

Yeah, they removed part of his lung, but he seems to be recovering well.

That's good to hear! I can't imagine going through something like a lobectomy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lobectomy → It is formed from "lobus" (from Latin, meaning lobe or a rounded projection) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē", meaning excision or cutting out). The word "lobectomy" refers to the surgical removal of a lobe, typically of an organ such as the lung or liver.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'lobe' being 'cut out' — 'lobus' refers to the lobe, and '-ectomy' means to remove. This helps you remember that lobectomy is the removal of a lobe.

Visually Confused Words