rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysurgeonDoctor who performs operations
noun

surgeon

SER-jun/ˈsɜːrdʒən/

A doctor trained to perform surgical operations.

The surgeon works carefully with instruments beside the fully draped patient.

A surgeon wearing sterile gloves, blue gown, mask and cap carefully works with surgical instruments at the edge of a fully draped operating table. A second clinician assists. The patient is entirely concealed beneath blue drapes. Emphasize the focused surgeon and gloved hands; no visible wound, blood, organs, monitor screens or writing.
Etymology
surGreekhand
+geonGreekwork

The hand-and-work elements describe someone who heals through manual operations. That image fits the surgeon’s traditional treatment of wounds and fractures and the modern role of performing operations.

In context

Eduardo Briceño5:38
When I needed a knee surgery, I didn't tell the surgeon,…
Eduardo Briceño: How to get better at the things you care about | TED
Dr. Group, DC1:46
I wanted to be a heart surgeon originally.
Failing Is Not Failure

More examples

  • A heart surgeon repairs the damaged valve.
  • Two surgeons work together during the complex operation.
  • She trains for years to become a surgeon.

Forms

surgeon · surgeons

surgery noun — Treatment of injuries or disease through operations.

surgical adjective — Relating to medical treatment through operations.

Similar words

doctor
A broader term that does not imply surgical training.
physician
Emphasizes medical practice generally, rather than specifically performing operations.