Reading Theme:
Surgery: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：medical operation (surgery)
surgery
/ˈsɜːrdʒəri/
n.
The medical treatment where doctors cut open your body to fix a problem, like a broken bone or a bad appendix.
medical operation
➕
/ˈmedɪkəl ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃn/
n.
A branch of medicine involving operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'chirurgia', meaning 'handiwork', derived from Greek 'cheir' (hand) + 'ergon' (work).
💡 Mnemonic
Surgeon's urgent, gentle hands expertly repair you. (SUR-GERY sounds like 'surge' of skill and 'urgent' care.)
📖 Example
After the knee surgery, he followed the doctor's advice carefully and was able to run again in a few months.
After the knee surgery, he followed the doctor's advice carefully and was able to run again in a few months.
🔗 Collocations
major surgery – a serious and complex operation
undergo surgery – to have a medical operation
emergency surgery – an operation performed immediately to save life or limb
🔄 Synonyms
operation (n.) – the process of cutting into the body for medical reasons
procedure (n.) – a specific surgical or medical intervention
intervention (n.) – a surgical action taken to treat a condition
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Ancient Greek 'kheirourgia' ('hand work'), entering English via Latin. Historically, surgery and barbery were linked, with barber-surgeons performing minor operations. Today, it denotes a highly specialized and sterile medical field.
Meaning 2：doctor's office (surgery)
surgery
/ˈsɜːrdʒəri/
n.
The room or office where a doctor, especially a family doctor or dentist, sees patients and does small medical procedures.
doctor's office
➕
/ˈdɑːktərz ˈɔːfɪs/
n.
A place where a doctor, dentist, or general practitioner consults with patients and performs minor treatments.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I have an appointment at the dentist's surgery tomorrow afternoon for a regular check-up.
I have an appointment at the dentist's surgery tomorrow afternoon for a regular check-up.
🔗 Collocations
dental surgery – the premises where a dentist works
GP surgery – a general practitioner's office or clinic
outpatient surgery – a clinic where operations are performed without an overnight stay
🔄 Synonyms
clinic (n.) – a place for medical consultation or treatment
practice (n.) – a doctor's or lawyer's business premises
consulting room (n.) – a room where a professional gives advice
🚫 Antonyms
home (n.) – one's place of residence, not a professional medical facility
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