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Gillyflower Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

What's the difference between these two words?

Hi,
What is the difference between these words?
1- ablate -- (remove an organ or bodily structure) (WordNet Dictionary)
2- extirpate -- (surgically remove (an organ)) (WordNet Dictionary)

Thanks!
  

Top answer

I don't know about "ablate", but I wouldn't use "extirpate" to mean surgically remove . "

— Teechr

  • I don't know about "ablate", but I wouldn't use "extirpate" to mean surgically remove .
  • "
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2 Answers
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I don't know about "ablate", but I wouldn't use "extirpate" to mean surgically remove.

If you are talking about limbs/fingers/toes, use "amputate."Otherwise, use "remove."

Note also that specific organ-removal procedures often have their own names; e.g., "nephrectomy", "appendisectomy", or "splenectomy."
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teechrI don't know about "ablate", but I wouldn't use "extirpate" to mean surgically remove.
Thank you for your reply!

Aren't they technical terms? Aren't they used by surgeons either?
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