stapedectomy
Meaning
a surgical operation to remove the stapes bone in the middle ear, often to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis.
Structure
Usage
the patient underwent a stapedectomy to improve conductive hearing loss.
modern stapedectomy techniques have a very high success rate.
the surgeon explained the risks and benefits of a stapedectomy before the procedure.
Etymology
the term stapedectomy is a modern medical neologism, constructed in the 20th century from classical components. it combines 'stapes', the latin word for 'stirrup', which was applied in anatomy to describe the bone's distinctive shape, and '-ectomy', derived from the greek 'ektomē', meaning 'a cutting out'. the literal construction thus means 'the cutting out of the stapes'. this term logically and precisely describes the surgical procedure where this tiny bone is removed, typically to restore hearing by replacing it with a prosthetic device.
Analysis
staped: from modern latin 'stapes' (stirrup), referring to the stirrup-shaped bone in the middle ear. origin: latin. ectomy: a combining form meaning 'surgical removal of'. origin: greek 'ektomē', from 'ek-' (out) + 'temnein' (to cut).