DECAPITATION

n. De-ka2p-i2t-a's hu8n. Lat., decapitatio (from dec a pit are, to behead). Fr., decapitation, decollation, section du con. Ger., D., Enthauptung. It., dec a pit azione. Sp., dec a pita cion. Syn.: detruncation, trachelotomy, decollation, dero to my. That variety of embryotomy which consists in separating the head of the foetus from the trunk, to facilitate delivery. It is performed by means of a chain-saw or a cord or wire to which a sawing motion is communicated, or with a special instrument termed a decapitator. [s. 514]