-ectomy

1. a combining form meaning “excision” of the part specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words:

   tonsillectomy.

-ectomy

combining form

1. indicating surgical excision of a part

   appendectomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ectomy¹

< New Latin -ectomia. See ec-, -tomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ectomy¹

from New Latin -ectomia, from Greek ek- out + -tomy

Example Sentences

When you go to the doctor for a routine blood test or to have a mole removed, when you have an appendectomy, tonsillectomy, or any other kind of ectomy, the stuff you leave behind doesn’t always get thrown out.

From Literature

In 2004, when Ashley was six, her parents initiated a three-year medical course to halt her growth, including a hyster- ectomy and the surgical removal of her breast buds.

From The Guardian