Amputation: meaning, definitions and examples

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amputation

[ˌam.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical procedure

The action of surgically removing a limb or other part of the body.

Synonyms

disarticulation, surgical removal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amputation	Used in medical contexts to describe the removal of a limb or extremity due to disease, injury, or surgery. Often denotes a significant, life-altering event. Due to the severe infection, the doctors decided that an amputation was necessary After the accident, he had to undergo a leg amputation
surgical removal	A general term used to describe the process of surgically taking out an abnormal or diseased part of the body. This term can be used for a wide range of surgical procedures, not limited to limbs. The surgeon explained the process of surgical removal of the tumor During the operation, surgical removal of the appendix was deemed necessary
disarticulation	Refers to the surgical separation of a limb at a joint, often used in more technical or surgical descriptions. This term is more specific and less common in everyday language. The case required a shoulder disarticulation because the tumor affected the joint Disarticulation at the knee was performed to ensure complete removal of the diseased tissue

Word

Description / Examples

amputation

Used in medical contexts to describe the removal of a limb or extremity due to disease, injury, or surgery. Often denotes a significant, life-altering event.

Due to the severe infection, the doctors decided that an amputation was necessary
After the accident, he had to undergo a leg amputation

surgical removal

A general term used to describe the process of surgically taking out an abnormal or diseased part of the body. This term can be used for a wide range of surgical procedures, not limited to limbs.

The surgeon explained the process of surgical removal of the tumor
During the operation, surgical removal of the appendix was deemed necessary

disarticulation

Refers to the surgical separation of a limb at a joint, often used in more technical or surgical descriptions. This term is more specific and less common in everyday language.

The case required a shoulder disarticulation because the tumor affected the joint
Disarticulation at the knee was performed to ensure complete removal of the diseased tissue

Examples of usage

He had to undergo an amputation after a severe injury.
The doctor discussed the risks and benefits of the amputation with the patient.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal context

The act of cutting off a part of a person's body as a form of punishment.

Synonyms

amputating, severance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amputation	This term is used primarily in medical contexts to describe the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. It is often used in serious discussions about health and medical treatments. The injury was so severe that it required an amputation. She works in a rehabilitation center that helps patients who have undergone amputation.
severance	This term is used more broadly to describe the action of ending a connection or relationship. It can refer to the cutting off of limb but is more commonly associated with the termination of employment or other formal separations. He received a severance package after being laid off from his job. The sudden severance of their friendship took everyone by surprise.
amputating	This is the present participle or gerund form of 'amputate' and is used to describe the act of performing an amputation. It is also used in medical contexts. The surgeon is amputating the patient's leg due to severe infection. Amputating a limb can be a life-saving procedure in some cases.

Word

Description / Examples

amputation

This term is used primarily in medical contexts to describe the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. It is often used in serious discussions about health and medical treatments.

The injury was so severe that it required an amputation.
She works in a rehabilitation center that helps patients who have undergone amputation.

severance

This term is used more broadly to describe the action of ending a connection or relationship. It can refer to the cutting off of limb but is more commonly associated with the termination of employment or other formal separations.

He received a severance package after being laid off from his job.
The sudden severance of their friendship took everyone by surprise.

amputating

This is the present participle or gerund form of 'amputate' and is used to describe the act of performing an amputation. It is also used in medical contexts.

The surgeon is amputating the patient's leg due to severe infection.
Amputating a limb can be a life-saving procedure in some cases.

Examples of usage

Amputation was once a common form of punishment for certain crimes.
The practice of amputation as a legal penalty has been abolished in many countries.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from Latin 'amputare', meaning 'to cut off', with roots in 'a-' meaning 'from' and 'mputare' meaning 'to prune'.
In ancient times, amputations were often performed in battlefields and were crucial for survival.

Medical Practices

Amputation may be necessary to treat severe infections, cancer, or traumatic injuries when other treatments fail.
Surgeons use advanced techniques today, including using prosthetics, to help amputees regain mobility and improve quality of life.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Losing a limb can significantly affect a person's mental health, leading to challenges like depression or anxiety, which require emotional support.
Programs focusing on rehabilitation and counseling help amputees adjust and embrace their changes, enhancing resilience.

Pop Culture

Amputations have been portrayed in various movies and shows, often emphasizing bravery and the struggle of characters overcoming adversity.
Famous personalities, like athletes, often inspire others through their stories of recovery after amputation, turning challenges into triumphs.

Technology

Advancements in prosthetic technology have improved the quality of life for many amputees, with some devices now controlled by the brain.
3D printing is emerging as a game-changer in producing custom prosthetics, allowing for more comfortable and functional artificial limbs.

Translations

Translations of the word "amputation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amputação

🇮🇳 अंगच्छेदन

🇩🇪 Amputation

🇮🇩 amputasi

🇺🇦 ампутація

🇵🇱 amputacja

🇯🇵 切断

🇫🇷 amputation

🇪🇸 amputación

🇹🇷 amputasyon

🇰🇷 절단

🇸🇦 بتر

🇨🇿 amputace

🇸🇰 amputácia

🇨🇳 截肢

🇸🇮 amputacija

🇮🇸 aflimun

🇰🇿 ампутация

🇬🇪 ამპუტაცია

🇦🇿 amputasiya

🇲🇽 amputación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,693, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14690 encamped
14691 projector
14692 prolongation
14693 amputation
14694 baker
14695 thanking
14696 trailed
...