vasectomy

[ va-sek-tuh-mee ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural vas·ec·to·mies.

1. excision of the vas deferens, or of a portion of it: performed to effect sterility in men.

vasectomy

/ væˈsɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical removal of all or part of the vas deferens, esp as a method of contraception

vasectomy

/ və-sĕk′tə-mē /

1. Surgical removal of all or part of the vas deferens, resulting in sterility.

vasectomy

1. A surgical procedure in which the ducts that carry sperm out of the testes are cut and tied off so that no sperm can pass. Vasectomy is a form of male sterilization and is used as a method of birth control . The procedure has no effect on a man's capacity to produce semen ; the only difference is that his semen will no longer contain sperm.

Other Words From

• postvas·ecto·my adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vasectomy¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; vas (deferens) + -ectomy

Example Sentences

As a result, they have taken a "definitive decision" - Chris is seeking to have a vasectomy, after years of Gemma having a contraceptive implant.

From BBC

A study published in April 2024 found that a rise in tubal sterilizations among females was twice as high as the increase among vasectomies in males after Dobbs.

From Salon

The clinic provided eight abortions and nine vasectomies over the two days it was parked there.

From Salon

As the Democratic National Convention takes place in Chicago, delegates and attendees don't only have the opportunity to participate in ceremonial political traditions — but they can also get a free vasectomy or medication abortion.

From Salon

The New York Times reported that Donahue even televised a birth, an abortion, a reverse vasectomy and a tubal litigation.

From Salon

Related Words

• abstinence
• condom
• contraceptive
• diaphragm
• family planning
• pill