noun

oophorectomy

oh-off-uh-REK-tuh-mee

Quiz me More like this

Oophorectomy (noun) means the surgical removal of one or both ovaries, usually carried out to treat or prevent problems such as ovarian cancer, cysts or endometriosis. Example: “She was scheduled for an oophorectomy after doctors found a cyst on her ovary.”

noun

medicine The surgical removal of one or both ovaries, usually carried out to treat or prevent problems such as ovarian cancer, cysts or endometriosis.

"She was scheduled for an oophorectomy after doctors found a cyst on her ovary."

"A bilateral oophorectomy removes both ovaries in a single operation."

"Some women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer choose a preventive oophorectomy."

How to use oophorectomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving an ovary, or both ovaries, taken out by surgery.

When to use it

Oophorectomy is a clinical term used mainly by doctors and in medical records.

Memory tip

Remember that oophorectomy removes the ovaries, not the womb, which is a hysterectomy instead.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hysterectomy → salpingectomy

Common pairings

bilateral oophorectomy undergo an oophorectomy preventive oophorectomy recover from an oophorectomy

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like oophorectomy.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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 “oophorectomy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was scheduled for an _____ after doctors found a cyst on her ovary.

Etymology

The word is built from oophor-, a combining form referring to the ovary, and the surgical suffix -ectomy, meaning cutting out or removal. Together the parts describe an operation that takes out ovarian tissue.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

ovariectomy

Rhymes for oophorectomy

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

See all rhymes for oophorectomy →

Frequently asked questions

What is an oophorectomy?

It is an operation to remove one or both of a woman's ovaries, often done to treat or prevent conditions such as ovarian cancer, cysts or endometriosis.

Is oophorectomy the same as ovariectomy?

Yes, ovariectomy is another name for the same operation.

Does an oophorectomy always remove both ovaries?

No, it can involve removing just one ovary or both, depending on the reason for surgery.

What is the meaning of oophorectomy?

"oophorectomy" (noun) means the surgical removal of one or both ovaries, usually carried out to treat or prevent problems such as ovarian cancer, cysts or endometriosis.