Definition

A surgical procedure that involves removing the mastoid cells or part of the mastoid bone, usually to treat infections or other medical conditions.

Example

The doctor recommended a mastoidectomy to address the chronic ear infection.

Conversation

I heard you had a mastoidectomy last week; how did it go?

It was a bit rough, but the doctors were really great.

I can imagine, that sounds like a serious procedure.

Yeah, but I'm feeling much better now, thanks for asking!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mastoidectomy → It is formed from "mastoid" (from Greek "mastoeidēs", meaning breast-shaped, referring to the mastoid process of the temporal bone) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē", meaning excision or removal). The word "mastoidectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the mastoid process, which is located behind the ear.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'breast-shaped' ('mastoid') bone being 'removed' ('-ectomy') during surgery — that's what a mastoidectomy involves.

Visually Confused Words