What does "-ectomy" mean in a medical context?

The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē," which means "to cut out." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the surgical removal of a body part or tissue. Therefore, when you see this suffix attached to a word, it indicates that a specific structure or organ is being surgically removed. For example, "appendectomy" refers to the removal of the appendix.

The other choices cannot be correctly associated with "-ectomy." Expansion pertains to growth or increase, development refers to the process of growth or progression, and the process of cutting relates more generally to any incision or cut, which doesn’t specifically imply removal. Thus, the accurate definition in a medical context is related to the process of removal.