tracheotomy
Tracheotomy (noun) means a surgical operation that cuts an opening into the windpipe through the neck, usually to help a patient breathe. Example: “Surgeons performed an emergency tracheotomy when the airway became blocked.”
How to use tracheotomy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn operation that cuts a hole in the throat and windpipe to let a patient breathe.
Often confused with "tracheostomy," the related procedure that leaves a longer-term breathing opening in place.
Word forms
tracheotomies plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Surgeons performed an emergency _____ when the airway became blocked.
Etymology
Built from tracheo- ("windpipe") plus -tomy ("a cutting"), both from Greek.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tracheotomy
Frequently asked questions
What does “tracheotomy” mean?
The word “tracheotomy” means a surgical operation that cuts an opening into the windpipe through the neck, usually to help a patient breathe. In plain terms, an operation that cuts a hole in the throat and windpipe to let a patient breathe.
How do you use “tracheotomy” in a sentence?
Here is “tracheotomy” used in a sentence: “Surgeons performed an emergency tracheotomy when the airway became blocked.”
What part of speech is “tracheotomy”?
“Tracheotomy” is a noun.
Where does the word “tracheotomy” come from?
The word “tracheotomy” comes from Greek. Built from tracheo- ("windpipe") plus -tomy ("a cutting"), both from Greek.