phlebotomy

n. [ L. phlebotomia, Gr. flebotomi`a; fle`ps, flebo`s, a vein + te`mnein to cut: cf. F. phlébotomie. Cf. Fleam. ] (Med.) The act or practice of opening a vein for letting blood, in the treatment of disease; venesection; bloodletting. [ 1913 Webster ]