episiotomy

noun epi·si·ot·o·my \i-ˌpi-zē-ˈä-tə-mē, -ˌpē-\

Definition of EPISIOTOMY

: surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for obstetrical purposes during the birth process

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International Scientific Vocabulary episio- vulva (from Greek epision pubic region) + -tomy

First Known Use: 1878

Medical Dictionary

noun epi·si·ot·o·my \i-ˌpiz-ē-ˈät-ə-mē, -ˌpēz-\

plural epi·si·ot·o·mies

: surgical enlargement of the vulval orifice for obstetrical purposes during parturition

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