colostomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowMedical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “colostomy” mean?
A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon through the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body into a pouch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon through the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body into a pouch.
The artificial opening itself, or the condition of having such an opening; the field of medicine dealing with such procedures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and terminology are identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral medical term in both varieties. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions, used exclusively in medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “colostomy” in a Sentence
[patient] underwent/had a colostomyThe surgeon performed a colostomy on [patient]A colostomy was created/formedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colostomy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He is a colostomy patient.
- She requires colostomy care.
American English
- The colostomy procedure was successful.
- He attended a colostomy support group.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in healthcare business contexts (e.g., 'manufacturer of colostomy products').
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and biological science literature.
Everyday
Used only when discussing personal or family medical history; not common casual vocabulary.
Technical
Core term in surgery, gastroenterology, oncology, and stoma care nursing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colostomy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colostomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colostomy”
- Misspelling as 'colostemy' or 'collostomy'. Using 'colostomy' to refer to the pouch/bag only (the bag is a 'colostomy bag', the opening is the 'stoma' or 'colostomy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be temporary (to rest part of the bowel) or permanent (if a section of bowel is removed).
A colostomy is from the large intestine (colon); an ileostomy is from the end of the small intestine (ileum). Output consistency differs.
Yes, you can shower with or without the colostomy pouch. The stoma itself is not sensitive to water.
Not necessarily. Many people with colostomies return to full, active lives and careers. It is a management condition, not a definition of disability.
A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon through the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body into a pouch.
Colostomy is usually medical/technical in register.
Colostomy: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈlɒstəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈlɑːstəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COLOn + oSTOMY (opening). An opening from the COLON.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A PLUMBING SYSTEM (a rerouted pipe).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'colostomy'?