English · Body & Health
scalpel
/ˈskæl.pəl/
[/ˈskæl.pəl/]
surgical knife
Advancednoun
Definition
A small, very sharp knife used by surgeons to cut into the body during operations.
Example
The surgeon asked the nurse to pass the scalpel before making the first careful incision.
The surgeon asked the nurse to pass the scalpel before making the first careful incision.
Etymology
From Latin 'scalpellum', a diminutive of 'scalprum' meaning 'a knife or chisel'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in surgery; figuratively, 'surgical' precision implies careful, exact action.