Meaning & Definition of word "Amputation"

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    Amputation

    /ˌæm.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. The surgical removal of all or part of a limb or other body part.
      • Example: The doctor recommended amputation of the infected leg to save the patient's life.
    • 2. The act of severing or cutting off, especially in a medical context.
      • Example: Amputation was considered the last resort after all other treatment options were exhausted.
    • 3. A figurative term used to describe the removal or loss of something, often used in a non-physical context.
      • Example: The company's reorganization led to the amputation of several departments that were underperforming.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'amputare', meaning 'to cut off'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    surface-level amputation:

    A term used to describe an amputation that does not go deep into the tissue.

    below the knee amputation:

    The surgical removal of the leg below the knee.

    above the elbow amputation:

    The surgical removal of the arm above the elbow.

    Related Words

    limb:

    A major appendage of the body, such as an arm or leg.

    surgery:

    The branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of injuries or disorders by manual or operative methods.

    prosthesis:

    An artificial device that replaces a missing body part.

    Slang Meanings of amputation

    Meaning: Chopping off

    Example Sentence: He joked that his bad decision felt like a chopping off of opportunities.

    Meaning: Lost a limb

    Example Sentence: After the accident, he said, 'Looks like I've lost a limb.'