trepanation

Definition

The practice of drilling a hole in the skull as a physical, mental, or spiritual treatment.

Etymology

From New Latin trepanatio, formed from French trépan (“a drill”), itself from Latin trepanum, ultimately from Ancient Greek τρύπανον (trúpanon, “an auger, a drill”).

Example Sentences

• "Creed had suffered […] a swelling to the brain that the tribe’s chief physic treated with trepanation."
• "According to the doctors, Lula, 79, underwent a trepanation: having a 3cm hole made in the skull to insert a drain to remove the bleeding."