excision

noun

ex·​ci·​sion ik-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce excision (audio)
: the act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out
especially : surgical removal or resection
excisional
ik-ˈsi-zh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce excision (audio)
adjective

Examples of excision 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.
In his log, Goldman hints at its excision of their wildest moments together. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 By six days post-excision, the tissues saw a significant spike in the absorption of dissolved amino acids. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 Middle of Nowhere is a couple years past that emotional excision, and perhaps a little more pragmatic. — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026 The many truncations and excisions have been detailed copiously, including by my colleague Justin Chang. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excision

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Latin excision-, excisio, from excidere

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excision was in 1541

Rhymes for excision

See All Rhymes for excision

Browse Nearby Words

excise tax
excision
excisional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excision. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

excision

noun
ex·​ci·​sion ik-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce excision (audio)
: surgical removal or resection (as of a diseased part)
excisional
-ˈsizh-nəl, -ᵊn-əl How to pronounce excision (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on excision

Nglish: Translation of excision for Spanish Speakers

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