A‐pher″e‐sis (?; 277), n. [L. aphaeresis, Gr. �, fr. � to take away; � + � to take.] 1. (Gram.) The dropping of a letter or syllable from the beginning of a word; e. g., cute for acute.
2. (Surg.) An operation by which any part is separated from the rest. Dunglison.