The word lithotomic is spelled as lɪθə(ʊ)ˈtɒmɪk, where the stressed syllable is li- and the rest of the syllables are unstressed. The word refers to the surgical removal of a stone or calculus from the body, especially from the bladder, kidney, or ureter. The word "litho" means "stone," and "tomic" means "cutting." Therefore, lithotomic literally means "cutting of stone." The word is commonly used in the medical field to describe surgical procedures involving the removal of kidney stones or other urinary tract stones.
Lithotomic is an adjective that originates from the Greek word "lithotomia," which refers to the surgical method of cutting into the bladder or urinary system to remove a stone or calculus. In a broader sense, the term lithotomic relates to or denotes the act or practice of performing lithotomy or the surgical extraction of urinary or bladder stones. It primarily pertains to medical procedures or techniques used in urology, aimed at removing kidney or bladder stones that can cause severe pain and discomfort.
In a figurative sense, lithotomic can also be used to describe precision, meticulousness, or a highly detailed approach in any field or discipline. In this connotation, the term implies a surgical-like precision or incisiveness when dealing with complex or intricate matters.
Moreover, lithotomic can additionally allude to an analytical or problem-solving mindset that dissects or breaks down complex issues or situations into smaller, more manageable components. This implies that a lithotomic approach involves a meticulous examination or dissection of various parts or factors to understand the whole, allowing for effective problem-solving or decision-making.
Overall, lithotomic can describe both the medical practice of extracting urinary stones and a broader cognitive approach that entails precision, detailed analysis, and strategic deconstruction of complex issues.
Pert. to lithotomy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lithotomic" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "lithos" meaning "stone" and "tomos" meaning "cutting" or "incision". In Greek, "lithotomia" (λιθοτομία) referred to a surgical procedure of cutting into the body to remove stones, particularly kidney or bladder stones. Over time, the word "lithotomic" has been adopted into English to describe the surgical removal of stones, particularly in urological contexts.