Chirurgeon

/kɪˈrɜrdʒən/ noun

Definition

An archaic or literary term for a surgeon; a medical doctor who performs operations.

Etymology

From Old French cirurgien, derived from Greek cheirourgos (cheiro- 'hand' + -urgos 'worker'). The initial ch- was added by false association with Greek ch- words, creating the unusual spelling that persists in English.

Kelly Says

The word chirurgeon shows how surgery literally means 'hand-work' in Greek—surgeons are hand-workers who use their hands to heal, which is why 'chirurgy' also preserved this ancient Greek root!

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