Definition

1. Noun:
   • The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis: This is the primary medical and procedural meaning of "circumcision."
   • A religious rite involving this procedure: Specifically, it refers to the ritual act performed on male infants (typically on the eighth day after birth) as a covenant in Judaism (the brit milah) and as a practice in Islam.
   • A feast day in some Christian traditions: In the liturgical calendars of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, it refers to the feast day (January 1st) commemorating the circumcision of Jesus Christ.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hospital offers counseling for parents considering circumcision for their newborn son.
  • The baby's circumcision will be performed by a mohel according to Jewish tradition.
  • The Feast of the Circumcision is observed on the eighth day after Christmas.

Advanced Usage

• "Ritual circumcision": Emphasizes the religious or ceremonial aspect rather than a purely medical procedure.
  • Ritual circumcision is a cornerstone of Jewish identity.
• "Neonatal circumcision": Specifies the procedure being performed on a newborn.
  • The debate over neonatal circumcision involves both medical and ethical considerations.

Variants and Related Words

• Circumcise (verb): To perform the act of circumcision.
  • The decision to circumcise is a personal one for many families.
• Uncircumcised (adjective): Not having undergone circumcision.
  • An uncircumcised male retains the foreskin.

Synonyms

• Peritomy (medical term, rare)
• Foreskin removal (descriptive)

Related Phrases

• "The covenant of circumcision": A phrase used in Jewish theology to describe the religious significance of the rite.
  • Abraham entered into the covenant of circumcision with God.

Noun

1. the act of circumcising; surgical removal of the foreskin of males
2. the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite
3. (Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Church) feast day celebrating the circumcision of Jesus; celebrated on January 1st