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noun

vasectomy

vuh-SEHK-tuh-mee

Vasectomy (noun) means a surgical procedure that cuts or seals the tubes carrying sperm, used as a permanent form of male birth control. Example: “After deciding their family was complete, he opted for a vasectomy.”

noun
1
A surgical procedure that cuts or seals the tubes carrying sperm, used as a permanent form of male birth control.
"After deciding their family was complete, he opted for a vasectomy."

How to use vasectomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA vasectomy is a minor surgery that makes a man permanently unable to father children, without affecting hormones or sex drive.

Common pairings
have a vasectomy vasectomy reversal

Word forms

vasectomies plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After deciding their family was complete, he opted for a _____.

Etymology

Built from "vas" (short for vas deferens, the tube carrying sperm) plus the medical suffix "-ectomy," meaning "surgical removal."

Rhymes for vasectomy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “vasectomy” mean?

The word “vasectomy” means a surgical procedure that cuts or seals the tubes carrying sperm, used as a permanent form of male birth control. In plain terms, a vasectomy is a minor surgery that makes a man permanently unable to father children, without affecting hormones or sex drive.

How do you pronounce “vasectomy”?

“Vasectomy” is pronounced vuh-SEHK-tuh-mee (/vəˈsɛktəmi/ in IPA).

How do you use “vasectomy” in a sentence?

Here is “vasectomy” used in a sentence: “After deciding their family was complete, he opted for a vasectomy.”

What part of speech is “vasectomy”?

“Vasectomy” is a noun.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial