clitoridectomy

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

noun, plural clit·o·ri·dec·to·mies.

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 of clitoridectomy

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

Words nearby clitoridectomy

British Dictionary definitions for clitoridectomy

clitoridectomy
/ (ˌklɪtərɪˈdɛktəmɪ) /

noun plural -mies

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

Medical definitions for clitoridectomy

clitoridectomy
[ klĭt′ər-ĭ-dĕktə-mē, klī′tər- ]

n.

Excision of the clitoris.