A surgical procedure where a surgeon cuts or divides connective tissue, fascia, or ligaments to relieve tension or restriction.
From Greek 'desmos' (bond, connective tissue) and 'tome' (cutting). It's a surgical term built from the same word-building elements as 'anatomy' and 'lobotomy'.
This surgical technique was more common before modern medicine—doctors would literally cut the tight connective tissue causing pain, kind of like releasing an overstretched rubber band to relieve pressure.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.