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Definition of mastectomy

mastectomy

/mæˈstɛktəmi/
mas · tec · to · my
Plural:mastectomies
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mastectomy Lexical Profile

mastectomy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A surgical operation to remove all or part of one or both breasts, typically performed to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Example

"Following her diagnosis, the oncology team discussed whether a lumpectomy or a full mastectomy would be the most effective course of treatment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mastectomy

• Rhymes for mastectomy

• Nearby Words

massively
massiveness
mast
mastectomy
master
masterclass
masterful

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century medical English from the Ancient Greek 'mastos' (breast) combined with '-ektomia' (a cutting out), from 'ektemnein' (to cut out).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mastectomy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mastectomy
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