lithotomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal / Medical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “lithotomy” mean?
A surgical operation to remove a stone from the bladder or kidney.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical operation to remove a stone from the bladder or kidney.
Historically, the specific surgical procedure for cutting into the bladder to remove stones; more broadly, any surgical incision to remove calculi from a bodily duct or organ.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term in historical/medical contexts.
Connotations
Associated with a painful, archaic procedure, often discussed in medical history.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialised texts.
Grammar
How to Use “lithotomy” in a Sentence
[Surgeon] performed a lithotomy on [patient].The patient required lithotomy for [condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lithotomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon decided to lithotomise the patient to extract the large calculus.
American English
- The surgeon decided to perform a lithotomy to extract the large stone.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; no standard adverbial form]
American English
- [Not applicable; no standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The lithotomy procedure was described in gruesome detail.
American English
- The lithotomy procedure was a dangerous undertaking before anesthesia.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical history, urology, and historical surgical texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in surgical history and certain urological contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lithotomy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lithotomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lithotomy”
- Misspelling as 'lithotamy' or 'lithonomy'.
- Confusing it with 'lithotripsy' (using shock waves).
- Using it as a general term for any surgery.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic 'cutting for the stone' procedure is largely historical. Modern stone removal uses minimally invasive techniques like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which are specific, evolved forms of lithotomy.
It's a surgical and gynecological position where the patient lies on their back with hips and knees flexed and thighs apart. The name originates from its use in historical lithotomy operations.
Lithotomy involves cutting into the body to physically remove a stone. Lithotripsy uses shock waves (or lasers) to break the stone into small fragments that can be passed naturally, avoiding major surgery.
It's a highly specific, archaic surgical term. Modern medicine uses more precise terminology (e.g., cystolithotomy), and the procedure itself has been largely replaced by less invasive methods.
A surgical operation to remove a stone from the bladder or kidney.
Lithotomy is usually formal / medical / historical in register.
Lithotomy: in British English it is pronounced /lɪˈθɒt.ə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɪˈθɑː.t̬ə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LITHO- (stone, as in 'lithograph') + -TOMY (cutting, as in 'anatomy'). It's the cutting for a stone.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly applicable] SURGERY IS A JOURNEY (into the body); THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (holding a stone).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'lithotomy'?