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1. Removal of the testicles or ovaries. 2. See c. complex, castrate.
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n.
removal of the sex glands (the testes or the ovaries). Castration in childhood causes failure of sexual development but when done in adult life (usually as part of hormonal treatment for cancer) it produces less marked physical changes in both sexes. Castration inevitably causes sterility but it need not cause impotence or loss of sexual desire.
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cas·tra·tion (kas-traґshən) [L. castratio] 1. removal of the gonads; bilateral orchiectomy or bilateral oophorectomy. 2. destruction of the gonads, as by radiation.Medical dictionary. 2011.