episiotomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “episiotomy” mean?
A surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to aid delivery and prevent tearing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to aid delivery and prevent tearing.
A minor surgical procedure where an incision is made in the perineum (the tissue between the vagina and anus) during the second stage of labour to enlarge the vaginal opening. It is used to facilitate a difficult delivery or to prevent a severe, uncontrolled tear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standardized within the global medical community.
Connotations
Identical clinical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity in professional medical discourse in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “episiotomy” in a Sentence
The midwife performed an episiotomy.She required an episiotomy during labour.The doctor discussed the possibility of an episiotomy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “episiotomy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The episiotomy repair was straightforward.
- She experienced episiotomy-related discomfort.
American English
- The episiotomy procedure was discussed in advance.
- Episiotomy rates have declined in recent decades.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical and midwifery textbooks, research papers on obstetrics, and childbirth education materials.
Everyday
Rare, used only in specific discussions about personal childbirth experiences or prenatal education.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in clinical notes, surgical manuals, and communication between healthcare professionals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “episiotomy”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “episiotomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “episiotomy”
- Misspelling: 'episiotimy', 'episiotomey'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the third syllable (/ˌpɪziˈɒtəmi/) instead of the fourth (/ɪˌpɪziˈɒtəmi/).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They episiotomied her' is non-standard; 'They performed an episiotomy' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. Modern obstetrics favours a 'restrictive' or 'selective' approach, performing it only for specific reasons like fetal distress, a complicated delivery (e.g., forceps), or to prevent a severe tear.
An episiotomy is a deliberate, clean surgical cut made by a professional. A natural tear occurs spontaneously. Historically, it was thought a surgical cut healed better, but evidence now shows many natural tears are less severe and heal as well or better than a routine episiotomy.
Yes. As with any medical procedure, you have the right to informed consent. Discuss your preferences in your birth plan, but also understand there are emergency situations where it may be medically advised for the safety of you or your baby.
Initial healing of the skin typically takes 2-3 weeks, but internal tissues may take 6 weeks or longer to heal completely. Pain and discomfort are common in the first few weeks and can be managed with medication, ice packs, and careful hygiene.
A surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to aid delivery and prevent tearing.
Episiotomy is usually technical / medical in register.
Episiotomy: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˌpɪziˈɒtəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˌpiziˈɑːtəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'EPISODE' + 'TOMY' (cutting). The 'episode' of childbirth may involve a 'cutting' procedure.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL INTERVENTION AS A CONTROLLED BREAK (preferring a clean, surgical cut over a potential ragged tear).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'episiotomy' exclusively used?