craniotomy
noun
cra·ni·ot·o·my
ˌkrā-nē-ˈä-tə-mē 
plural craniotomies
: surgical opening of the skull
Examples of craniotomy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Glioblastoma can sometimes be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or brain surgery, called a craniotomy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—
Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
In the months that followed, her road to recovery was slowed by setbacks, including adverse reactions to chemo and unexpected craniotomies (surgeries) that delayed her treatment.
—Lawrence Yee, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024
After a craniotomy, the portion of the skull that was removed is replaced (craniectomy) after the swelling goes down.
—Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025
Mellencamp underwent a craniotomy with a tumor resection, where four tumors were removed from her brain.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for craniotomy
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Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
In the months that followed, her road to recovery was slowed by setbacks, including adverse reactions to chemo and unexpected craniotomies (surgeries) that delayed her treatment.
—Lawrence Yee, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024
After a craniotomy, the portion of the skull that was removed is replaced (craniectomy) after the swelling goes down.
—Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025
Mellencamp underwent a craniotomy with a tumor resection, where four tumors were removed from her brain.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for craniotomy
Cite this Entry
“Craniotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craniotomy. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
craniotomy
noun
cra·ni·ot·o·my
ˌkrā-nē-ˈät-ə-mē
plural craniotomies
1
: the operation of cutting or crushing the fetal head to effect delivery
fetal craniotomies … performed to save the life of the mother—R. E. Frisch
R. E. Frisch2
: surgical opening of the skull
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