noun

episiotomy

eh-puh-sy-OT-uh-mee

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Episiotomy (noun) means a surgical cut made through the perineum to widen the vaginal opening and assist during childbirth. Example: “The midwife performed an episiotomy to help deliver the baby safely.”

noun

medical A surgical cut made through the perineum to widen the vaginal opening and assist during childbirth.

"The midwife performed an episiotomy to help deliver the baby safely."

"Recovery from an episiotomy can take several weeks."

"Not every birth requires an episiotomy."

How to use episiotomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn episiotomy is a cut made to widen the birth canal during delivery.

When to use it

This is a clinical term used in medical settings, particularly obstetrics.

Memory tip

Breaking the word into episio- (pubic region) and -tomy (a cut) makes it easier to remember what the procedure involves.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

perform an episiotomy recover from an episiotomy need an episiotomy episiotomy during labour

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “episiotomy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The midwife performed an _____ to help deliver the baby safely.

Etymology

Episiotomy is formed from episio-, meaning the pubic region, and -tomy, meaning a surgical incision. Both parts trace back to Ancient Greek words meaning the pubic area and to cut.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for episiotomy

roomy gloomy sodomy economy anatomy taxonomy antinomy autotomy autonomy lobotomy dichotomy astronomy

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Frequently asked questions

What is an episiotomy?

An episiotomy is a surgical incision through the perineum made during childbirth to widen the vaginal opening.

Why is an episiotomy performed?

It is done to assist delivery, giving the baby more room to be born safely.

Where does the word episiotomy come from?

It combines a Greek word for the pubic region with a Greek word meaning to cut.

What is the meaning of episiotomy?

"episiotomy" (noun) means a surgical cut made through the perineum to widen the vaginal opening and assist during childbirth.