the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The act or operation of opening a vein for letting blood; bloodletting; phlebotomy.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Bloodletting from a vein; phlebotomy.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis
Word Usage
"The nomination of course falls to him, and the doctor being called, declares the necessity of immediate venesection, which is accordingly performed by a surgeon of the association."