Meaning & Definition of word "Amputation"

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.'