Definition

A medical procedure that creates an opening in the windpipe to help a person breathe, often by inserting a tube.

Example

After the accident, the doctors performed a tracheostomy to help him breathe more easily.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new procedure they did on Mark?

Yeah, he had to get a tracheostomy to help him breathe better.

That sounds really serious; I hope he's recovering well.

Me too! The doctors said it should make a big difference for him.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tracheostomy → It is formed from "trachea" (from Greek "tracheia", meaning rough or windpipe) and "-ostomy" (from Greek "stoma", meaning mouth or opening). The word refers to the creation of an opening in the windpipe to facilitate breathing.

Memory Tip

Imagine creating an 'opening' ('-ostomy') in the 'windpipe' ('trachea') to help someone breathe. This helps you remember that a tracheostomy is a procedure to make an opening in the windpipe.

Visually Confused Words