kaˈstrāshən, kaaˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English castracioun, from Latin castration-, castratio, from castratus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the removal of testes or ovaries : gelding , spaying
b. : inhibition of the function or development of the gonads (1) by inadequate nutrition in worker bees, (2) by the action of certain parasites, or (3) by the use of synthetic hormones in domestic animals — called also respectively (1) alimentary castration, (2) parasitic castration, (3) chemical castration
2. : a depriving of vigor : weakening
mass persecution of most eminent scientists, a castration of science — A.G.Mazour
3. : the deletion of a part of (a text) especially for purposes of expurgation ; also : a part deleted
4. : the removal of the stamens of a flower