'appendicectomy' originates from Modern Latin and Greek, specifically the element 'appendix' (Latin) and the Greek element 'ektomē' (ἐκτομή), where 'appendix' meant 'something attached' and 'ektomē' meant 'excision'.

'appendicectomy' changed from New Latin/Modern Latin 'appendicectomia' (a formation combining 'appendix' + '-ectomy') and eventually became the modern English word 'appendicectomy'. The related US form 'appendectomy' is a shortened variant that became common in American English.

Initially, it meant 'excision or removal of an appendix', and over time it has retained that core meaning as the term for that surgical procedure.