: surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for obstetrical purposes during the birth process

Examples of episiotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Have episiotomy rates 33% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024 When To Call the Doctor As with all surgical procedures, complications like infection are possible following an episiotomy. Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary episio- vulva (from Greek epision pubic region) + -tomy

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of episiotomy was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near episiotomy

Cite this Entry

“Episiotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episiotomy. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

episiotomy

noun
epis·​i·​ot·​o·​my
i-ˌpiz-ē-ˈät-ə-mē
plural episiotomies
: an operation to enlarge the opening of the vagina at the time of childbirth to make delivery easier

Medical Definition

plural episiotomies
: surgical enlargement of the vulval orifice for obstetrical purposes during childbirth

More from Merriam-Webster on episiotomy

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