What this suffix does
The suffix -ectomy comes from Greek "ektome" (cutting out, excision) and names surgical procedures that remove an organ or tissue. From "appendix" comes "appendectomy"; from "tonsil" comes "tonsillectomy".
ESEN
Suffix · forms nouns
-ectomy
From Greek "ektome" (excision): names surgeries that remove an organ or tissue. Appendectomy, mastectomy.
Scientific
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
The most common -ectomies
appendectomy = removal of the appendix tonsillectomy = removal of the tonsils mastectomy = removal of breast tissue vasectomy = cutting of the vas deferens (male sterilisation) gastrectomy = removal of all or part of the stomach hysterectomy = removal of the uterus colectomy = removal of the colon lobectomy = removal of a lobe (lung, liver or thyroid) nephrectomy = removal of a kidney splenectomy = removal of the spleen cholecystectomy = removal of the gallbladder
Key distinction: -ectomy vs -otomy vs -ostomy
Three surgical suffixes that are easy to confuse: -ectomy = to excise/remove completely: appendectomy = the appendix is removed. -otomy = to cut/incise (open to examine or treat, without removing): tracheotomy = cut into the trachea. -ostomy = to create a permanent opening: colostomy = create a stoma in the colon. Mnemonic: -ectomy = "extract". If the organ is gone after surgery, it is an -ectomy.
How it is formed
Name of the organ or tissue (in its Greek or Latin form) + ectomy.
- organ + ectomyappendix = appendectomytonsil = tonsillectomystomach (gaster) = gastrectomyuterus (hyster) = hysterectomy
- tissue or structure + ectomymast (breast) = mastectomyvas (duct) = vasectomycolon = colectomylob = lobectomy
- Greek organ prefix + ectomynephr (kidney) = nephrectomychole (bile/gallbladder) = cholecystectomysplen (spleen) = splenectomy
Many organ names come from Greek: kidney = nephro-, stomach = gastro-, uterus = hystero-, gallbladder = cholecysto-. If you see an unfamiliar -ectomy prefix, look up that Greek organ root.
How it is pronounced
-ectomy/ɛktəmi/ · sounds like 'EK-tuh-mee'
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -ectomy
In a phrase
- appendixappendectomyHe was rushed into surgery for an emergency appendectomy late that night.
- tonsiltonsillectomyA tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on young children.
- mast (breast)mastectomyAfter her diagnosis, she chose to have a double mastectomy as a preventive measure.
- vas (duct)vasectomyMany men consider a vasectomy a simple and permanent form of birth control.
- gaster (stomach)gastrectomyThe surgeon recommended a partial gastrectomy to remove the affected section of his stomach.
- hyster (uterus)hysterectomyHer doctor performed the hysterectomy using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique.
- coloncolectomyA colectomy was scheduled after the tumor was found in his large intestine.
- nephr (kidney)nephrectomyShe agreed to a nephrectomy so that her kidney could be donated to her brother.
- splen (spleen)splenectomyFollowing the car accident, doctors performed an emergency splenectomy to stop the internal bleeding.
- cholecyst (gallbladder)cholecystectomyA cholecystectomy is the standard procedure doctors use to remove a diseased gallbladder.
Common mistakes
confusing -ectomy, -otomy and -ostomy
-ectomy = remove; -otomy = cut/open; -ostomy = create opening
appendectomy = appendix removed (-ectomy). tracheotomy = trachea opened without removal (-otomy). colostomy = permanent opening created in colon (-ostomy).
apendectomy (one p)
appendectomy (double p)
appendectomy: double p — from "appendix". Not "apendectomy".
"vasectomy" removes an organ
vasectomy = only the vas deferens is cut
"Vasectomy" cuts and seals the vas deferens (the tubes carrying sperm), causing sterility. No organ is fully removed.
A trick to remember it
-ectomy = surgical removal of an organ. The prefix names the organ: appendix, tonsil, mast- (breast), hyster- (uterus), nephr- (kidney). Key distinction: -ectomy (remove) vs -otomy (cut without removing) vs -ostomy (permanent opening).
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
What does "tonsillectomy" mean?
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
What is the difference between -ectomy and -otomy?
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -ectomy mean in English?
The suffix -ectomy from Greek "ektome" (excision): names surgeries that remove an organ or tissue. Appendectomy, mastectomy.
How do you pronounce -ectomy?
The ending -ectomy is pronounced /ɛktəmi/ · sounds like 'EK-tuh-mee'. For example, "appendectomy".
Can you give an example of a word with -ectomy?
"appendix" becomes "appendectomy". It is a typical example of the -ectomy suffix.
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