Most prominently used in the medical field, nephrectomizing is the act of surgically removing a kidney. This procedure was first performed in 1861, making the term over 150 years old. The nephrectomizing definition literally translates to cutting out a kidney. The latter half of the word, -ectomy, means the surgical removal of a body part. The former portion of the phrase, nephro-, relates to the kidneys. While the nephrectomizing meaning never changes, the reason for the operation does. From kidney cancer to kidney failure, a nephrectomy is warranted for numerous reasons. It’s also needed when a kidney transplant procedure is underway.