circumcision

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the surgical removal of the foreskin, often performed as a religious rite or medical procedure

   The family discussed the religious significance of circumcision with their rabbi.

2. 2
   noun

   rare or figurative: a cutting away or separation from corrupting influences

   The philosopher imagines a moral circumcision that severs desire from vice.

From Latin circumcisio, 'a cutting around,' from circumcidere, formed from circum ('around') + caedere ('cut'). English inherited the word through French and Middle English.

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