What does "circumcision" mean?
The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum.
Circumcision
/ˌsɜː(ɹ)kəmˈsɪʒən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum.
- Grammar: circumcision is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adoption, agape, asperges, aspersion.
- Useful contrasts: secular circumcision, uncircumcision.
- Usage evidence: Male circumcision decreases the risk of viral infections that cause herpes and cancer.
How to use "circumcision"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "circumcision" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "circumcision" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "circumcision" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "circumcision" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adoption" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum. countable, uncountable
"So ſay I , did the Covenant of circumciſion, in that he that was circumciſed was bound to keep the whole Law Gal 5. 3."
- 2 the act of circumcising; surgical removal of the foreskin of males wordnet
- 3 The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum.; Pharisaic circumcision. Judaism, countable, modern, specifically, uncountable, usually
- 4 the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite wordnet
- 5 The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum.; Other surgeries involving the incision or partial excision of the foreskin or penile frenulum without total posthetomy. Philippines, countable, historical, uncountable
"The ancient Egyptians practiced circumcision by creating a dorsal incision in the foreskin."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 (Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Church) feast day celebrating the circumcision of Jesus; celebrated on January 1st wordnet
- 7 The surgical excision of the clitoral hood of the clitoris; female circumcision. countable, uncountable
- 8 The surgical excision of the clitoris; clitoridectomy. countable, often, proscribed, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
secular circumcisionuncircumcision
Example
"Male circumcision decreases the risk of viral infections that cause herpes and cancer."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "circumcision"?
Common synonyms include: adoption, agape, asperges, aspersion, auricular confession, bar mitzvah.
How do you use "circumcision" in a sentence?
Male circumcision decreases the risk of viral infections that cause herpes and cancer.
How do you pronounce "circumcision"?
Pronounced /ˌsɜː(ɹ)kəmˈsɪʒən/.
Etymology
From Latin circumcīsiō(n), from circumcīdō (“cut around”), from circum (“about, around; through”) + caedō (“cut, hew”).