lumpectomy

noun

lump·​ec·​to·​my ˌləm-ˈpek-tə-mē How to pronounce lumpectomy (audio)
plural lumpectomies
: excision of a breast tumor with a limited amount of associated tissue

Examples of lumpectomy 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 lumpectomy and the removal of several lymph nodes, and then the second surgery, had left her sore and bruised. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Ncube’s journey started with a lumpectomy. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026 After a moment’s thought, Greenwald told her to do the lumpectomy—and the tamoxifen, which would cut the chance of cancer recurrence in half. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The device was supposed to help breast cancer patients heal after a lumpectomy, which is the surgical procedure to remove tumors while keeping much of the breast intact. — Annika Inampudi, Fortune, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lumpectomy

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lumpectomy was in 1972

Rhymes for lumpectomy

See All Rhymes for lumpectomy

Browse Nearby Words

lump coal
lumpectomy
lumpen
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

lumpectomy

noun
lump·​ec·​to·​my ˌləm-ˈpek-tə-mē How to pronounce lumpectomy (audio)
plural lumpectomies
: excision of a breast tumor with a limited amount of associated tissue

called also tylectomy

compare quadrantectomy

More from Merriam-Webster on lumpectomy

Nglish: Translation of lumpectomy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lumpectomy

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