Definition

A surgical procedure that involves cutting or opening the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles.

Example

The doctor performed a vasotomy to address the patient's fertility issues.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a vasotomy?

Yeah, I think it's a surgical procedure, right?

Exactly! It's an incision into the vas deferens.

That sounds pretty intense; I hope it's done safely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vasotomy is formed from "vas" (from Latin "vas", meaning vessel) and "-tomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning cutting). The word refers to the surgical procedure of cutting a vessel, typically in the context of the male reproductive system.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vessel' ('vas') being 'cut' ('-tomy') during a surgical procedure, which helps you remember that vasotomy involves cutting a vessel.

Visually Confused Words