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noun

bloodletting

Bloodletting (noun) means the old medical practice of draining blood from a patient believed to cure illness. Example: “Bloodletting was a common medical treatment until the 19th century.”

noun
1
The old medical practice of draining blood from a patient believed to cure illness.
"Bloodletting was a common medical treatment until the 19th century."
2
(figurative) A painful reduction of something, such as staff or funding, in hopes of improving the situation.
"The company's budget cuts led to a painful round of bloodletting in the marketing department."

How to use bloodletting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHistorically, draining blood as a treatment; today often used figuratively for painful cutbacks.

Common pairings
a round of bloodletting corporate bloodletting

Word forms

bloodlettings plural

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_____ was a common medical treatment until the 19th century.

Etymology

From "blood" plus "letting" (from the verb "let," meaning to release) — literally, releasing blood.

Related words

Rhymes for bloodletting

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bloodletting” mean?

The word “bloodletting” means the old medical practice of draining blood from a patient believed to cure illness. In plain terms, historically, draining blood as a treatment; today often used figuratively for painful cutbacks.

How do you use “bloodletting” in a sentence?

Here is “bloodletting” used in a sentence: “Bloodletting was a common medical treatment until the 19th century.”

What part of speech is “bloodletting”?

“Bloodletting” is a noun.

How many meanings does “bloodletting” have?

“Bloodletting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the old medical practice of draining blood from a patient believed to cure illness.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial