topectomy

[ tuh-pek-tuh-mee ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural to·pec·to·mies.

1. excision of part of the cerebral cortex for the relief of unmanageable pain or especially as a treatment for certain mental disorders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of topectomy¹

top- + -ectomy

Example Sentences

Usually they took out about an ounce on each side, in an operation called a topectomy.

From Time Magazine Archive

The doctors who developed topectomy warn that not all insane patients can benefit from it.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some thought that the new operation, called topectomy,* was the best yet.

From Time Magazine Archive