/klit'euhr i dek"teuh mee/ , n. , pl. clitoridectomies .
the excision of the clitoris, usually performed as part of female initiation rites, mainly among certain African peoples, but also sometimes used in various societies to curb sexual desire; female circumcision. Cf. infibulation .
[ 1865-70; clitorid- (comb. form repr. Gk kleitorís (gen. kleitorídos ) CLITORIS) + -ECTOMY ]