Cheilotomy

/kaɪˈlɒtəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure that cuts or incises the lip.

Etymology

From Greek 'cheilos' (lip) + 'tome' (cutting). The term combines ancient Greek anatomical terminology with the medical suffix for surgical operations, used since the 19th century in surgical practice.

Kelly Says

This word reveals how surgeons borrow from ancient Greek to describe what they do—it's like a universal medical language that lets doctors worldwide understand each other instantly, even if they speak different languages!

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