It seems strange to me that the word "uterus" is from Latin, but removal of the "uterus," "hysterectomy," comes from Greek. Similarly, the word "testicle" is from Latin, but the removal of the "testicle" is an "orchiectomy," which is from Greek. Somewhat similar is the word "breast," which is from Old English, but then the removal of the breast is a "mastectomy," which is again from Greek.

Yet, with other organs the removal comes straight from the organ, such as: "tonsil" and "tonsillectomy" or "appendix" and "appendectomy or "spleen" and "spenectomy" or "colon" and "colectomy," etc.

Is the difference because the former words are all for genital organs? If so, why would that be?

Is the word orchidectomy? Offhand I'd say that since -ectomy is of Greek origin, the tendency is to use Greek forms, if they exist. Also, the tendency not to mix Greek and Latin words may not be so great as it was in the past. (I've never considered a breast to be a genital organ.) Both spleen and colon are both of Greek origin. Tonsil and appendix are Latin.

I had added spleen and colon at the last minute, forgetting to check them. That is interesting. Perhaps it's just random then.

I suppose breast isn't a genital organ per se, but it's certainly a secondary sexual organ.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kalleh,

The breast is known as the "mammary gland" from the Latin mamma "breast".

Although removal of a breast (because of cancer, etc.) can apparently be called a mammectomy, is is more usually known as a mastectomy. That is strange in itself. According to Wiktionary the word comes from mastoid + -ectomy. The mastoid process is a bony area behind the ear! Apparently it is conical so shaped like a breast or nipple.

mastoid

Mastectomy is from Greek μαστος (mastos) 'breast; nipple'. Mastoid has the suffix -id[/i] which is used like English -ish, -like.

Aha! That explains it. I think an amendment (or at least the above explanation) should be made to the Wiktionary entry, don't you?

As a nurse I am often fascinated by words (euphomisms?) constructed from the word "ostomy" - which basically means to cut a hole ("os" is Latin for mouth or opening). There are colostomies (not to be confused with colonoscopies - which are visual scopes of the colon), ileostomies, etc. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary simply states that "tomy" is a "combining form meaning incision"). Since I am new to this site I am hoping someone can enlighten me regarding the term "combining form." Thank you.

One more thought. I am fascinated by the way certain medical words are used in such diverse ways. For instance, "cyst" is Greek for bladder or sac, so it often crops up with procedures or anatomical descriptions involving the bladder. Yet, it can also refer to an abnormal growth or pouch. And, "catheter" is Greek for "something inserted." Patients typically think of this as a Foley (bladder) catheter, but it also refers to tubing used for intravenous insertions (IVs).

Hello elledee. Welcome to this site - I am sure you will enjoy your stay.

Is your name by any chance a corruption of your initials - LED? Mind you, as an LED you would surely be a bright spot on our firmament!

There are also the aptly-named mammillary bodies on the underside of the brain; they reminded me of Barbie-doll breasts.

quote:

Originally posted by Richard English:
Hello elledee. Is your name by any chance a corruption of your initials - LED? Mind you, as an LED you would surely be a bright spot on our firmament!

That assumes three syllables, ell-ee-dee. Of course it could be a two syllables, elle-dee, or LD, which means something else entirely.

Of course, that first syllable elle is French for 'she'. Could it be that our Richard knows French, infers that elledee is female, and is gallantly flirting?

elledee, whatever your name or gender, welcome to our board!

Plus elledee is a nurse and, whereas not all nurses are female it is primarily a female vocation.

quote:

y

You got me! Elle stands for both my first initial and female gender (also, coincidentally, the name of a current first lady). It could also stand for things I value - laughter, love, life (sappy, I know). "D" is for my middle name and similar to a modern late princess. Unfortunately, I have to leave for work soon (those crazy nursing hours) because I am loving this site! Tonight I will approach the floor with more of a Greek and Latin perspective...Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I look forward so sharing lots of word games and fun.

Me again. I confess. I googled LED - light emitting diode? I could live with that.

Nice to see another nurse here, elledee.

quote:

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary simply states that "tomy" is a "combining form meaning incision"). Since I am new to this site I am hoping someone can enlighten me regarding the term "combining form."

I will offer a guess, though some of the more informed here may have a better answer. I am wondering if it simply means that it's a suffix that you combine another core word to, which means an incision into whatever you add to it (such as "otomy" with "trachea").

"combining form meaning incision"

It's a term that means that it is used in combining with others in coining new words. Greek τομη (tomē) 'incision', cf. τεμνειν (temnein) 'to cut', τνησις (tmesis 'cutting'.

Thank you for your help and ideas.

Nice to be here and to see another nurse here, Kalleh! I could use help with pronouncing your name and also zmježd's name

quote:

Originally posted by zmježd:
tmesis 'cutting'.

Ah! One of my favourite figures of speech! So far as I know, the only word in English to start with tm. But that's a-whole-nother matter.

See Wikipedia.

I could use help with pronouncing your name and also zmježd's name

Mine is pretty much pronounced as written. It's James, written phonetically and then reverse. I'll try to record and post it soon.

stunningly simple without being obvious! Very nice