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Definition of ostomy

ostomy

/ˈɒs.tə.mi/
os · to · my
Plural:ostomies
•
Adjective:ostomal
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ostomy Lexical Profile

ostomy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from an internal hollow organ, such as the intestine or urinary tract, to the exterior surface of the body to allow the elimination of bodily waste.

Example

"Following the removal of the diseased portion of his bowel, the patient underwent a temporary ostomy to allow the tissue to heal."

2

The artificial opening or stoma on the surface of the abdomen created by such a surgical operation.

Example

"The wound care nurse taught her how to clean the skin around the ostomy and properly fit the collection pouch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ostomy

Word Nuance & Usage

In clinical terminology, an 'ostomy' often refers to the surgical procedure itself, whereas a 'stoma' specifically denotes the resulting physical opening on the surface of the body, though the two terms are frequently used interchangeably for the opening.

• Rhymes for ostomy

• Nearby Words

osteopathy
osteoporosis
osteospermum
ostomy
ostracism
ostracize
ostracod

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as an independent noun extracted from the medical combining form '-ostomy' (as in colostomy and ileostomy), which derives from Ancient Greek 'stoma', meaning 'mouth' or 'opening'.

Cite this Entry

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