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noun Uncommon

circumcision

sur-kuhm-SIH-zhuhn
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Circumcision (noun) means the surgical removal of the foreskin, often performed on infant boys for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Example: “Circumcision is a longstanding religious rite in both Judaism and Islam.”

noun
1
The surgical removal of the foreskin, often performed on infant boys for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
"Circumcision is a longstanding religious rite in both Judaism and Islam."

How to use circumcision

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe medical or religious procedure of removing the foreskin.

When to use it

A clinical/formal term used in medical and religious contexts.

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Word forms

Plural
circumcisions
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Can you complete this real example?

_____ is a longstanding religious rite in both Judaism and Islam.

Etymology

From Old French circumcisiun, from Latin circumcisio, from circumcidere ("to cut around") — circum ("around") plus caedere ("to cut").

Origin: Latin

circ male circumcision posthectomy posthetomy

Related words

Rhymes for circumcision

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Frequently asked questions

What does “circumcision” mean?
The word “circumcision” means the surgical removal of the foreskin, often performed on infant boys for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. In plain terms, the medical or religious procedure of removing the foreskin.
How do you pronounce “circumcision”?
“Circumcision” is pronounced sur-kuhm-SIH-zhuhn (/ˌsɜː(ɹ)kəmˈsɪʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “circumcision” in a sentence?
Here is “circumcision” used in a sentence: “Circumcision is a longstanding religious rite in both Judaism and Islam.”
What is another word for “circumcision”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circumcision” include circ, male circumcision, posthectomy and posthetomy.
What part of speech is “circumcision”?
“Circumcision” is a noun.
Where does the word “circumcision” come from?
The word “circumcision” comes from Latin. From Old French circumcisiun, from Latin circumcisio, from circumcidere ("to cut around") — circum ("around") plus caedere ("to cut").
Is “circumcision” a common word?
“Circumcision” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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