amputate

Definition

To cut off, to prune.

Etymology

From Latin amputō (“prune, cut away”). The original sense of pruning (a tree, etc.) became obsolete. The OED considers uses related to anything other than an animal limb to be figurative uses of the modern sense.

Example Sentences

• "The surgeon had to amputate the patient’s leg to save his life."
• "Several soldiers had limbs amputated after the battle."

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