thyrotomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / TechnicalSpecialised Medical
Quick answer
What does “thyrotomy” mean?
A surgical incision into the thyroid gland or the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical incision into the thyroid gland or the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
Any procedure involving the cutting or division of thyroid tissue, typically for biopsy, tumor removal, or to relieve pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral surgical descriptor in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside endocrinology and otolaryngology textbooks/operating theatres.
Grammar
How to Use “thyrotomy” in a Sentence
The surgeon performed a thyrotomy on the patient.Thyrotomy is indicated for suspicious nodules.Access was gained through a thyrotomy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thyrotomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to thyrotomise the affected lobe.
American English
- The surgeon will thyrotomize to access the lesion.
adverb
British English
- The gland was accessed thyrotomically.
American English
- The procedure was performed thyrotomically.
adjective
British English
- The thyrotomic approach is well documented.
American English
- A thyrotomic incision was made.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical research papers and surgical textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in surgical notes, operative reports in endocrinology and ENT.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thyrotomy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thyrotomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thyrotomy”
- Misspelling as 'thyroidotomy' (though synonymous).
- Using it to refer to non-surgical procedures.
- Confusing with 'tracheotomy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific surgical step within larger thyroid operations, not a standalone common procedure.
Thyrotomy is an incision *into* the thyroid. Thyroidectomy is the complete or partial *removal* of the thyroid gland.
An endocrine surgeon or an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT surgeon).
Yes, recovery is part of the overall recovery from the surgical procedure of which it is a part.
A surgical incision into the thyroid gland or the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
Thyrotomy is usually specialised medical in register.
Thyrotomy: in British English it is pronounced /θaɪˈrɒt.ə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /θaɪˈrɑː.t̬ə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THYROid + meTOMY (removal). It's a cutting into the thyroid.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURGERY IS PRECISE MECHANICS (e.g., 'The surgeon *opened* the gland via thyrotomy').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'thyrotomy'?