4 syllables: glos, sec, to, my. Stress on sec.
glaws-SEK-tuh-mee
/ɡlɔsˈsɛktəmi/
glossectomy is pronounced glaws-SEK-tuh-mee (/ɡlɔsˈsɛktəmi/). It has four syllables (glos-sec-to-my), with the stress on "sec". Glossectomy is a surgical procedure that involves partial or complete removal of the tongue. It is performed to treat cancer or other severe tongue diseases, often requiring reconstruction. The term combines Greek roots for tongue and cutting, and it is used in medical contexts with precise articulation to avoid miscommunication. Pronunciation emphasizes syllable-timed rhythm and accurate placement of the tongue in the mouth.
Glossectomy is a surgical procedure that involves partial or complete removal of the tongue. It is performed to treat cancer or other severe tongue diseases, often requiring reconstruction. The term combines Greek roots for tongue and cutting, and it is used in medical contexts with precise articulation to avoid miscommunication. Pronunciation emphasizes syllable-timed rhythm and accurate placement of the tongue in the mouth.
"The patient underwent a partial glossectomy to remove malignant tissue."
"Postoperative therapy focuses on swallowing and articulation after glossectomy."
"In medical records, the surgeon noted a glossectomy with regional lymph node dissection."
Break it into syllables: glo- SEC- to- my. Primary stress is on the second syllable: glos-SEC-to-my. Phonetic guide: /ˌɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/ (US/UK). Start with the “glos” cluster: the tongue near the alveolar ridge, then a crisp /s/ before the /ɛ/. The “-ectomy” part begins with a hard /ɛ/ then a schwa-like /tə/ and ends with /mi/. Practice by saying: gloh-SEC-tuh-mee, emphasizing the SEC syllable.
Common errors: flattening the second syllable stress (pronouncing as glo-S-ek-to-mee) and replacing /ɛ/ with /eɪ/ or /iː/. Another mistake is merging the /t/ and /ə/ into a lazy /tə/ or delaying the /m/ at the end. Correction: stress the second syllable /ˈɛk/ clearly, use a short /ə/ for the third syllable, and finish with a crisp /mi/. Practice with slow, deliberate enunciation: gloˈsɛk-tə-mi.
In US and UK, the initial G is hard /ɡ/; /ɒ/ in the first vowel can vary to /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ in British. The key is the /ˈɛk/ syllable; rhoticity doesn’t affect this word, but UK speakers may reduce /tə/ slightly. Australian speakers often have a broader /ɒ/ in the first vowel and a more clipped /tə/; maintain /mi/ at the end with clear /i/. Overall, primary stress remains on the second syllable across accents.
Difficulties come from the consonant cluster /gl/ combined with /s/ before a vowel, plus the multi-syllabic structure. The /glɒs/ onset can trip up speakers who blend /ɡ/ and /l/ too quickly, and the middle /ɛk/ requires a precise vowel quality. Also, preserving crisp /t/ before /ə/ without inserting extra vowels demands careful tongue control. Focus on isolating the /gl/ slot, then the /sɛk/ chunk, and finally /tə.mi/.
A unique feature is the /gl/ onset followed by a light /s/ before the stressed /ɛk/ syllable, which creates a brief consonant sequence that benefits from careful timing of the tongue tip and blade. The stress on the second syllable combined with a quick /tə/ reduces vowel duration in the third syllable. Pronounce as /ˌɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/ with a crisp /t/ and a clear final /i/.
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US: rhotic accent does not affect this word; ensure clear /ɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/ with a bright final /i/. UK: may have a slightly shorter /ɒ/ and more clipped /tə/; maintain non-rhoticity while keeping /t/ crisp. AU: broader /ɒ/ and possibly stronger vowel reduction in /tə/; emphasize the /mi/ final. IPA references: US /ˌɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/, UK /ˌɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/, AU /ˌɡlɒsˈɛk.tə.mi/. General tips: keep the middle /ɛ/ clear, avoid schwa merger; use a steady tempo and even syllable length.
Glossectomy derives from the Greek glōssa (tongue) and ektomē (cutting, incision). The combining form glosso- is common in medical terms describing tongue-related structures, seen in words like glossitis and glossoepiglottic. The suffix ectomy (-ectomy) indicates surgical removal. The first known uses appear in mid-20th-century medical literature as surgeons described tongue resections for cancer. Over time, the term extended to partial resections (hemiglossectomy) and more conservative resections, becoming a standard clinical descriptor. The word’s evolution reflects advances in oncologic surgery and multidisciplinary care, including oral cancer management, reconstructive techniques, and speech therapy post-surgery.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "glossectomy" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "glossectomy"
-omy sounds
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