Definition

A medical procedure in which the spleen is surgically removed from the body.

Example

After the accident, the doctors decided that a splenectomy was necessary to save his life.

Conversation

Did you hear about Alex's recent splenectomy?

Yeah, I heard it was a pretty serious surgery.

I can't believe he had to go through a splenectomy at his age.

I know, right? Hopefully, he recovers quickly!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Splenectomy → It is formed from "splen" (from Greek "splēn", meaning spleen) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē", meaning excision or removal). The word refers to the surgical removal of the spleen.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for spleen ('splēn') and the suffix that means removal ('-ectomy'). This helps you remember that a splenectomy is the removal of the spleen.

Visually Confused Words