noun

tracheotomy

noun

A surgical operation that cuts an opening into the windpipe through the neck, usually to help a patient breathe.

"Surgeons performed an emergency tracheotomy when the airway became blocked."

How to Use Tracheotomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn operation that cuts a hole in the throat and windpipe to let a patient breathe.

Common mistake

Often confused with "tracheostomy," the related procedure that leaves a longer-term breathing opening in place.

Easily confused with

tracheostomy

tracheotomies plural

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Surgeons performed an emergency _____ when the airway became blocked.

Built from tracheo- ("windpipe") plus -tomy ("a cutting"), both from Greek.

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