amputator

1 9.0

A person who cuts off part or all of a limb, often a surgeon

noun
/ˈæmpjʊˌteɪtər/

Archaic

: amputador

The amputator carefully assessed the damage before removing the patient's lower leg.

Examples

During the war, the field hospital relied on the skills of its chief amputator.
Many amputators work in trauma centers.
As a renowned amputator, he specialized in complex trauma surgery.
The amputator saved the patient's life.
As a renowned amputator, he specialized in complex trauma surgery.
During the war, the field hospital relied on the skills of its chief amputator.
The amputator carefully assessed the damage before removing the patient's lower leg.

Synonyms

surgeon

vsamputator

589 3.2

A doctor who performs operations to treat injuries or illnesses

focuses specifically on removing part or whole limbs during surgery

Surface Forms

amputator singular

amputators plural

Morphology

amputator = amputate (transparent) = amputate + or

The word is a regular agent-noun formation from the verb 'amputate' using the productive suffix '-or', so its meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

The word amputator comes from the Latin amputare, meaning 'to cut off', plus the ending -or that means 'one who does something'. So an amputator is literally 'one who cuts off' a limb, which is why the word refers to a surgeon who performs amputations.