ablation
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- surgical removal of a body part or tissueSynonyms: extirpationcutting outexcisionType of operation, surgeryKinds mastoidectomy, hypophysectomy, laryngectomy, orchidectomy, oophorectomy, adenoidectomy, mastectomy, pancreatectomy, thyroidectomy, thrombectomy +28 more
- the erosive process that reduces the size of glaciersType of erosion, eroding
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. ablatio, fr. ablatus p. p. of auferre to carry away; ab + latus, p. p. of ferre carry: cf. F. ablation. See Tolerate.
1. A carrying or taking away; removal. Taylor, Jeremy
2. Medicine Extirpation. Dunglison, Robley AS
3. Medicine Removing or destroying of a body tissue, especially by a surgical procedure. Dorland.
4. Geology Wearing away; superficial waste, as of glacial ice or snow. Tyndall.
5. Aerospace Wearing away of the outer layers of a protective shield or surface by the heat and aerodynamic forces caused by flying through the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, as during reentry from space; as, ablation of the heat shield during reentry.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: AS, GCIDE editors