obliteration

[uh-blit-uh-rey-shuh n] /əˌblɪt əˈreɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
the act of obliterating or the state of being obliterated.
2.
Pathology, Surgery. the removal of a part as a result of disease or surgery.
Origin
1650-60; < Latin oblitterātiōn- (stem of oblitterātiō), equivalent to oblitterāt(us) (see obliterate) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
obliterative
[uh-blit-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] /əˈblɪt əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv/ (Show IPA), adjective
Examples from the web for obliteration
  • obliteration of the sutures of the vault of the skull takes place as age advances.
  • The optic stalk is converted into the optic nerve by the obliteration of its cavity and the growth of nerve fibers into it.
Word Origin and History for obliteration
n.

1650s, from Late Latin obliterationem (nominative obliteratio), noun of action from past participle stem of obliterare (see obliterate).