# amputation

/ˌæmpjəˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæmpjuːtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amputation
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. surgical removal

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a medical operation to remove a limb or body part to save a person's life or health.

For teachers: the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or appendage, typically performed to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb.

- The doctors decided that an amputation was necessary to stop the infection from spreading.
- Following the diagnosis of advanced gangrene, the surgical team concluded that a below-knee amputation was the only viable option to prevent systemic sepsis.

Usage: Often used with specific anatomical modifiers like 'below-knee' or 'traumatic'.

### 2. loss through accident

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the loss of a body part caused by a serious accident or injury.

For teachers: the loss of a limb or body part resulting from physical trauma rather than a planned medical procedure.

- He suffered a traumatic amputation of his finger while working with the heavy machinery.
- The industrial accident resulted in the immediate amputation of the worker's left arm, requiring emergency stabilization at the scene.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that an amputation was necessary to stop the infection.
- After the severe accident, the surgeons performed an emergency amputation to save the patient's life.
- Advances in prosthetic technology have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals following a traumatic amputation, allowing for a return to high-impact physical activities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.