B2noun1K

Surgery

UK /["/ˈsɜːdʒəri/"]/US /["/ˈsɜːrdʒəri/"]/

Definition

medical treatment of injuries or diseases that involves cutting open a person’s body and often removing or replacing some parts; the branch of medicine connected with this treatment

In simple words: A medical operation to fix or remove something in the body.

Examples

  • The patient underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
  • After the surgery, the recovery process can take several weeks.
  • He decided to specialize in plastic surgery after completing his residency.
  • Many people feel anxious before surgery, but it is often necessary for health.
  • The new surgical techniques have greatly improved patient outcomes.
  • She had knee surgery to repair the damage from the injury.
  • Pediatric surgery requires a unique set of skills and knowledge.
  • He is recovering well after heart surgery and feels much better now.

Usage notes

Use 'surgery' when discussing medical procedures; it is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations that don't concern health.

Grammar pattern

surgery + object

Memory hint

Think of 'surge' as something powerful; surgery is when doctors surge in to fix you.

Collocations

  • major
  • radical
  • minor
  • get
  • have
  • undergo
  • after surgery
  • before surgery
  • during surgery
  • open
  • afternoon
  • evening
  • do
  • have
  • hold
  • hours
  • in a/​the surgery
  • open
  • afternoon
  • evening
  • do
  • have
  • hold
  • hours
  • in a/​the surgery

Synonyms

  • operation
  • procedure
  • treatment

Antonyms

  • convalescence
  • healing

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'surgical' which refers to things related to surgery.
  • Using 'surgery' when they mean to refer to a doctor's appointment or consultation.
  • Misunderstanding the difference between 'surgery' and 'operation', which can be used interchangeably in many contexts.