nephrectomy

noun

ne·​phrec·​to·​my ni-ˈfrek-tə-mē How to pronounce nephrectomy (audio)
plural nephrectomies
: the surgical removal of a kidney
nephrectomize
ni-ˈfrek-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce nephrectomy (audio)
transitive verb

Examples of nephrectomy 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.
The trial involved roughly 1,000 people undergoing nephrectomy who were at high risk for cancer recurrence. — Markham Heid, Time, 26 Dec. 2022 For these patients, treatment usually involves a nephrectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both of the kidneys. — Markham Heid, Time, 26 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nephrectomy was in 1880

Rhymes for nephrectomy

See All Rhymes for nephrectomy

Browse Nearby Words

-nephra
nephrectomy
nephric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nephrectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nephrectomy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

nephrectomy

noun
ne·​phrec·​to·​my ni-ˈfrek-tə-mē How to pronounce nephrectomy (audio)
plural nephrectomies
: the surgical removal of a kidney

More from Merriam-Webster on nephrectomy

Nglish: Translation of nephrectomy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nephrectomy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All