noun
forceps
FAW-sehps
Forceps (noun) means a pincer-like instrument used by doctors and surgeons to grip and hold things. Example: “The surgeon used forceps to remove the splinter.”
noun
1
A pincer-like instrument used by doctors and surgeons to grip and hold things.
"The surgeon used forceps to remove the splinter."
"Forceps were used to help deliver the baby."
How to use forceps
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA medical tool like tweezers or tongs, used for gripping small things.
Common mistake
Forceps is treated as both singular and plural — "a pair of forceps," not "a forcep."
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Word forms
- Plural
- forcipes, forcepses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon used _____ to remove the splinter.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin forceps, a tool name.
Synonyms
View more →
pair of forceps
Frequently asked questions
What does “forceps” mean?
The word “forceps” means a pincer-like instrument used by doctors and surgeons to grip and hold things. In plain terms, a medical tool like tweezers or tongs, used for gripping small things.
How do you pronounce “forceps”?
“Forceps” is pronounced FAW-sehps (/ˈfoɹsɛps/ in IPA).
How do you use “forceps” in a sentence?
Here is “forceps” used in a sentence: “The surgeon used forceps to remove the splinter.”
What is another word for “forceps”?
Words with a similar meaning to “forceps” include pair of forceps.
What part of speech is “forceps”?
“Forceps” is a noun.
Where does the word “forceps” come from?
The word “forceps” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin forceps, a tool name.
