Electrotrephine

/ɪˌlɛktrəˈtriːfaɪn/ noun

Definition

A surgical instrument powered by electricity that uses a rotating circular saw to remove a disc of bone, typically from the skull.

Etymology

From electro- + trephine (from Greek trema, 'hole'). The trephine itself is an ancient surgical tool; the electric version was developed in the late 1800s.

Kelly Says

An electrotrephine is basically an electric-powered drill for surgeons—when doctors need to open the skull for brain surgery, they use this to remove a perfect circular disc of bone without damaging the soft tissue underneath.

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