ceˈlotomySurg. Also ke-. [ad.Gr. κηλοτοµία, f. κήλη rupture + -τοµία cutting.] The operation for strangulated hernia by cutting down and dividing the stricture. So ˈcelotome, ‘the knife or instrument for performing celotomy’. 1847in Craig.1878Bryant Surgery, Kelotomy.