How Do You Spell CEPHALOTOME?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛfɐlˌɒtə͡ʊm] (IPA)

Cephalotome (sɛfələtoʊm) is a surgical instrument used for incising the fetal head during delivery. The word cephalotome comes from the Greek words kephalē, meaning head, and tomē, meaning incision. The spelling of the word is fairly straightforward, with the emphasis on the second syllable and an "e" at the end to indicate the instrument's function. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation further, showing the different sounds and stresses in the word.

CEPHALOTOME Meaning and Definition

1. A cephalotome refers to a surgical instrument specifically designed for performing a cephalotomy - a medical procedure involving the incision or cutting of the head or skull. The term "cephalotome" is derived from the Greek words "kephalē" meaning "head" and "tomē" meaning "cut."

   Typically, a cephalotome features a sharp blade or cutting edge at the end, which allows surgeons to carefully and accurately make incisions in the desired location of the head. The instrument is specifically designed to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding or damage to surrounding tissues during the procedure.

   Cephalotomes are predominantly used in specialized surgical interventions such as cranial decompressions, craniotomies, or specific neurosurgical procedures. These instruments are typically made from durable and sterilizable materials such as stainless steel to ensure their longevity and maintain aseptic conditions in the operating room.

   Due to the complexity and sensitivity of procedures involving the incision or manipulation of the head, a cephalotome is an essential tool for surgeons. It allows them to precisely access and operate on the skull or head region, often aiding in relieving intracranial pressure, repairing skull fractures, or accessing the brain for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

   Overall, the cephalotome plays a critical role in neurosurgery and is an indispensable instrument for carrying out intricate medical procedures involving the cutting or incision of the head or skull.

2. An instrument for cutting in two the fetal head to permit of its compression in cases of dystocia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CEPHALOTOME

• xephalotome
• vephalotome
• fephalotome
• dephalotome
• cwphalotome
• csphalotome
• cdphalotome
• crphalotome
• c4phalotome
• c3phalotome
• ceohalotome
• celhalotome
• ce-halotome
• ce0halotome
• cepgalotome
• cepbalotome
• cepnalotome
• cepjalotome
• cepualotome

Etymology of CEPHALOTOME

The word "cephalotome" is derived from two Greek roots: "kephalē" meaning "head" and "tomē" meaning "cutting". In Greek, "kephalotomēs" (κεφαλοτομής) refers to someone who performs a surgical incision or dissection of the head. Over time, the term was adapted into English as "cephalotome" to specifically refer to a surgical instrument used for cutting or incising the head, often associated with procedures involving the brain or skull.