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cystotome

cystotome

9.9
A small surgical tool used to cut into a cyst, the bladder or the lens capsule
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪstəˌtoʊm/
  • Specialized
: cistótomo
  • The ophthalmologist carefully used a cystotome to open the lens capsule during the procedure.

Examples

  • A cystotome is essential for performing the initial step in cataract surgery.

  • Before the operation, the nurse ensured the cystotome was properly sterilized and ready for use.

  • The surgeon used a cystotome during the procedure.

  • She carefully selected a cystotome from the tray.

  • The ophthalmologist carefully used a cystotome to open the lens capsule during the procedure.

  • A cystotome is essential for performing the initial step in cataract surgery.

  • Before the operation, the nurse ensured the cystotome was properly sterilized and ready for use.

Surface Forms

cystotome singular
cystotomes plural

Morphology

cystotome = cyst (opaque) = cysto + tome

The term is formed from specialized medical combining forms ('cysto-' + '-tome') that are not familiar to an average B1 learner, so the instrument meaning is not directly inferable from 'cyst' alone.

Etymology

Cystotome comes from the Greek parts cysto- meaning 'bladder' or 'sac' and -tome meaning 'to cut'. So a cystotome is literally a small cutting tool used to open a cyst or a thin sac like the eye's lens capsule.