laryngectomy
Meaning
A surgical operation to remove all or part of the larynx.
Structure
Usage
After his cancer diagnosis, he underwent a total laryngectomy.
Speech therapy is often necessary for patients following a laryngectomy.
The surgeon explained the risks and benefits of the partial laryngectomy procedure.
Etymology
The word 'laryngectomy' is a modern medical term constructed from two ancient Greek components. The first part, 'laryng-', originates from the Greek larynx, meaning the upper part of the windpipe. The second part, '-ectomy', derives from the Greek ektomē, a compound of ek (out) and temnein (to cut), literally signifying 'a cutting out'. When combined in the 19th century, these morphemes logically and precisely describe the surgical procedure of excising the larynx, demonstrating how classical roots are systematically repurposed to create exact terminology in scientific fields.
Analysis
- laryng: From Greek laryng- (larynx, windpipe). A combining form denoting the larynx. - ectomy: From Greek ektomē (excision), from ek- (out) + temnein (to cut). A suffix meaning the surgical removal of a specified part of the body.