decortication

noun de·cor·ti·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkȯr-tə-ˈkā-shən\

Definition of DECORTICATION

: the act or process of removing the outer coverings (as bark or husks) from something (as fiber or seed)

: the surgical removal of the outer layer or covering of an organ or structure (as the brain or a kidney)

— de·cor·ti·cate \(ˌ)dē-ˈkȯr-tə-ˌkāt\ transitive verb

— de·cor·ti·cat·or \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

Latin decortication-, decorticatio, from decorticare to remove the bark from, from de- + cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass

First Known Use: circa 1623

Medical Dictionary

noun de·cor·ti·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkȯrt-i-ˈkā-shən\

: the surgical removal of the cortex of an organ, an enveloping membrane, or a constrictive fibrinous covering <the decortication of a lung>

Next Word in the Dictionary: decorticosisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: decorousAll Words Near: decortication

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