root canal

noun

, Dentistry.

1. Also called pulp canal. the root portion of the pulp cavity.
2. Informal. root canal therapy ( def 2 ).

root canal

noun

1. the passage in the root of a tooth through which its nerves and blood vessels enter the pulp cavity

Word History and Origins

Origin of root canal¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

At the time Johnson may have preferred a root canal to a soccer game, but he went along anyway.

From Los Angeles Times

The tiger’s death happened about five months after he underwent a root canal surgery at the zoo.

From Seattle Times

She was in pain for months but couldn’t afford the full cost of a root canal.

From Seattle Times

The talks have been the diplomatic equivalent of a full-mouth root canal.

From Seattle Times

The polls show that many Americans perceive this contest with the distress reserved for root canals or colonoscopies.

From New York Times