(n)a cavity in the mesoderm of an embryo that gives rise in humans to the pleural cavity and pericardial cavity and peritoneal cavity, Syn.coelom, celoma
n. [ Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; hernia + &unr_; to cut. ] (Med.) The act or operation of cutting, to relieve the structure in strangulated hernia. [ Frequently written kelotomy. ] [ 1913 Webster ]