pallidotomy

noun

pal·​li·​dot·​o·​my ˌpa-li-ˈdä-tə-mē How to pronounce pallidotomy (audio)
plural pallidotomies
: the surgical inactivation of a part of the basal ganglia in the treatment of involuntary movements (as in Parkinson's disease)

Word History

Etymology

pallido- (combining form from New Latin globus pallidus "a structure within the corpus striatum of the brain," literally, "pale globe") + -tomy

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pallidotomy was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near pallidotomy

Cite this Entry

“Pallidotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pallidotomy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

pallidotomy

noun
pal·​li·​dot·​o·​my ˌpal-i-ˈdät-ə-mē How to pronounce pallidotomy (audio)
plural pallidotomies
: the surgical inactivation of the globus pallidus or a part of it in the treatment of involuntary movements (as in Parkinson's disease)

More from Merriam-Webster on pallidotomy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!