scalpel — A small, sharp knife used by surgeons for making precise cuts during medical operations
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A small, sharp knife used by surgeons for making precise cuts during medical operations
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskælpəl/
Example Sentences
- The medical student nervously picked up the scalpel for the first time, wondering if vegetables would have been easier to cut.
- She handled the scalpel with the precision of a master chef preparing sashimi.
- The doctor's scalpel was so sharp, it could probably give a paper cut to a piece of paper.
scalpel
NOUN[/ˈskælpəl/]
A small, sharp knife used by surgeons for making precise cuts during medical operations
Surgeon's precise cutting instrument
In the chapel by the apple, rests the surgeon's scalpel
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin scalpellum, a diminutive form of scalprum meaning 'knife' or 'blade'. This surgical instrument has been used in medical practice since ancient Roman times.
Breakdown
scalprum (knife) + -ellum (diminutive suffix indicating smallness), literally meaning 'small knife'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The medical student nervously picked up the scalpel for the first time, wondering if vegetables would have been easier to cut.”
“She handled the scalpel with the precision of a master chef preparing sashimi.”
“The doctor's scalpel was so sharp, it could probably give a paper cut to a piece of paper.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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