episiotomy
noun
epi·si·ot·o·my i-ˌpi-zē-ˈä-tə-mē 
-ˌpē-
: surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for obstetrical purposes during the birth process
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The body knows what to do, and interventions—like electronic monitoring, vaginal exams, labor induction, episiotomy, and epidurals—impede birth from unfolding as nature intends, a free birther would argue. 
Rebecca Grant, Marie Claire, 9 June 2021 That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended against routine use of episiotomy since 2006. Cassandra Willyard, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Doctors began routinely using episiotomies to deliver babies. Cassandra Willyard, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 The only difference was I was given a double episiotomy and the vertical one ripped to my butthole. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 25 Mar. 2020 Less common were other threats; physical abuse, including refusing anesthesia for an episiotomy (a cut to the perineum to aid with delivery); or sharing private information without women’s consent. BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2019 The number of cesarean sections, the number of forceps deliveries and the number of episiotomies were almost identical in the two groups. Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017 According to George, there wasn't enough time for an episiotomy—a surgical incision that enlarges the vaginal opening before childbirth. Lindsey Lanquist, SELF, 12 July 2017 See More
Rebecca Grant, Marie Claire, 9 June 2021 That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended against routine use of episiotomy since 2006. Cassandra Willyard, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Doctors began routinely using episiotomies to deliver babies. Cassandra Willyard, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 The only difference was I was given a double episiotomy and the vertical one ripped to my butthole. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 25 Mar. 2020 Less common were other threats; physical abuse, including refusing anesthesia for an episiotomy (a cut to the perineum to aid with delivery); or sharing private information without women’s consent. BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2019 The number of cesarean sections, the number of forceps deliveries and the number of episiotomies were almost identical in the two groups. Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017 According to George, there wasn't enough time for an episiotomy—a surgical incision that enlarges the vaginal opening before childbirth. Lindsey Lanquist, SELF, 12 July 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary episio- vulva (from Greek epision pubic region) + -tomy
First Known Use
1878, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
episiotomy
noun
epi·si·ot·o·my i-ˌpiz-ē-ˈät-ə-mē -ˌpēz-
-ˌpēz- plural episiotomies
: surgical enlargement of the vulval orifice for obstetrical purposes during childbirth