rhytidectomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / TechnicalFormal / Medical
Quick answer
What does “rhytidectomy” mean?
A surgical procedure to remove wrinkles or signs of aging from the face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure to remove wrinkles or signs of aging from the face.
A specific type of plastic surgery, commonly known as a facelift, that involves the removal of excess facial skin and tightening of underlying tissues to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the medical term is identical. The common term 'facelift' is spelled as one word in American English ('facelift') and often hyphenated or as two words in British English ('face-lift' or 'face lift').
Connotations
Identical medical/surgical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday speech in both regions. Used almost exclusively in medical, cosmetic surgery, and formal journalistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rhytidectomy” in a Sentence
patient underwent rhytidectomysurgeon performed (a) rhytidectomy (on patient)to have a rhytidectomyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhytidectomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will rhytidectomise the patient next week.
- She decided to be rhytidectomised.
American English
- The surgeon will rhytidectomize the patient next week.
- She decided to get rhytidectomized.
adjective
British English
- The rhytidectomy procedure lasted three hours.
- She discussed rhytidectomy options with her consultant.
American English
- The rhytidectomy procedure lasted three hours.
- She discussed rhytidectomy options with her surgeon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of the cosmetic surgery industry, marketing, and clinic services.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, journals, and research papers on plastic surgery.
Everyday
Very rare; 'facelift' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Technical
The standard, precise term in surgical plans, medical records, and professional communication between healthcare providers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rhytidectomy”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rhytidectomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhytidectomy”
- Misspelling: 'rhytidectomy' (common), 'rythidectomy', 'ritidectomy'. Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈraɪtɪdɛktəmi/) instead of the third (/ˌrɪtɪˈdɛktəmi/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'rhytidectomy' is the formal medical term for what is commonly called a facelift.
Its primary purpose is to surgically reduce visible wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck to create a more youthful appearance.
No, it is a specialised medical term. The word 'facelift' is used in everyday conversation.
It comes from the Greek 'rhytis' (wrinkle) and 'ektomē' (a cutting out, excision).
A surgical procedure to remove wrinkles or signs of aging from the face.
Rhytidectomy is usually formal / medical in register.
Rhytidectomy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɪtɪˈdɛktəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɪt̬ɪˈdɛktəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WRINKLE' (rhytid-) CUT OUT (-ectomy). Rhytidectomy is the cutting out of wrinkles.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJUVENATION IS A SURGICAL PROCEDURE; YOUTH IS A TIGHTENED SURFACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'rhytidectomy' be MOST appropriately used?