clitoridectomy

[klit-er-i-dek-tuh-mee] /ˌklɪt ər ɪˈdɛk tə mi/

noun, plural clitoridectomies.

the excision of the clitoris, usually performed as part of female initiation rites, mainly among certain African peoples, but also sometimes used in various societies to curb sexual desire; female circumcision.

Compare infibulation.

Origin

1865-70; clitorid- (combining form representing Greek kleitorís (genitive kleitorídos) clitoris) + -ectomy

British Dictionary definitions for clitoridectomy

clitoridectomy

/ˌklɪtərɪˈdɛktəmɪ/

noun (pl) -mies

surgical removal of the clitoris: a form of female circumcision, esp practised as a religious or ethnic rite

Word Origin and History for clitoridectomy

1866, from Greek klitorid- (see clitoris) + -ectomy. Originally in reference to a proposed cure for hysteria.

clitoridectomy in Medicine

clitoridectomy clit·o·ri·dec·to·my (klĭt'ər-ĭ-děk'tə-mē, klī'tər-)
n.
Excision of the clitoris.