quirófano
“quirófano” means “operating room” in Spanish (hospital setting).
operating room
Also: operating theatre, OR
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El cirujano entró al quirófano a las diez de la mañana.
B1The surgeon entered the operating room at ten in the morning.
Necesitamos esterilizar todos los instrumentos antes de llevarlos al quirófano.
B2We need to sterilize all the instruments before taking them to the operating room.
La operación duró tres horas y el paciente salió del quirófano sin complicaciones.
B2The operation lasted three hours and the patient left the OR without complications.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quirófano
Question 1 of 2
What is the correct way to refer to the room where a surgeon performs an operation?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from Ancient Greek roots. The first part, *cheirō*, means 'hand,' and the second part, *phainō*, means 'to show' or 'to appear.' It literally means a place where the hands (the surgeon's work) are shown or used.
First recorded: Mid-20th century (in its modern usage)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'quirófano' refer to the entire hospital?
No, 'quirófano' refers only to the specific, sterile room or suite within a hospital where surgical procedures are performed. The general word for the building is 'hospital'.