lancet
1 synonym for lancet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, sharp, two-edged surgical instrument used for opening veins or abscesses.
How to use lancet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prick with a lancet
disposable lancet
lancet window
Gothic lancets
The medical sense is common in everyday healthcare contexts, while the architectural sense is more specialist.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English launcet, borrowed from Old French lancete, a small form of lance.
Full origin of lancet →Frequently asked questions
What is a lancet used for?
A lancet is a small, sharp instrument used in medicine, either for surgical procedures such as opening veins and abscesses, or as a single-use needle for pricking the skin to draw blood for testing.
What is a lancet window?
It is a tall, narrow window with a sharply pointed arch, typical of Gothic architecture.
Is a lancet the same as the needle used for blood sugar tests?
Yes, the small needle used to prick a finger for a blood test, as with a glucometer, is also called a lancet.
