Where does “lobotomy” come from?

Lobotomy comes from Ancient Greek τέμνω meaning "to cut" with the combining form -ο-, referring to surgical cutting of brain tissue.

lobotomy (English): A surgical operation on the frontal lobe of the...

Definitions

  1. A surgical operation on the frontal lobe of the...

Ancestry of “lobotomy”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishlobeAny projection or division, especially one of a...
2Middle Frenchlobe
3New Latinlobusa lobe; hull, husk, pod; lobe
4Ancient Greekλοβόςlobe of the ear; lobe of the liver; lobe of the...
5Proto-Indo-Europeanleh₂b-to hang loosely; to lap, lick

Words derived from “lobotomy

Every word from Proto-Indo-European leh₂b-Every word from Ancient Greek λοβόςEvery word from New Latin lobus
lobotomy — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer