noun
Uncommon
lancet
LAHN-sit
Lancet (noun) means a small, sharp, two-edged surgical instrument used for opening veins or abscesses. Example: “The surgeon used a lancet to make a precise incision.”
noun
1
A small, sharp, two-edged surgical instrument used for opening veins or abscesses.
"The surgeon used a lancet to make a precise incision."
"A lancet was once the standard tool for bloodletting."
"The nurse sterilised the lancet before the small procedure."
2
A small, sterile needle used to prick the skin and draw a drop of blood for testing.
"She pricked her finger with a lancet to test her blood sugar."
"Each lancet is designed for a single use only."
"The diabetes kit came with a box of disposable lancets."
3
A tall, narrow window that ends in a sharply pointed arch, common in Gothic architecture.
"The cathedral's nave was lined with tall lancets letting in slivers of light."
"Light streamed through the stained-glass lancet above the altar."
"Gothic churches often feature rows of narrow lancets along their walls."
How to use lancet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lancet is either a small sharp medical blade or needle, or a tall pointed Gothic window.
When to use it
The medical sense is common in everyday healthcare contexts, while the architectural sense is more specialist.
Memory tip
Notice the same word covers both a tiny medical blade and a tall church window, so check the context.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
prick with a lancet
disposable lancet
lancet window
Gothic lancets
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The surgeon used a _____ to make a precise incision.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English launcet, borrowed from Old French lancete, a small form of lance.
Synonyms
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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.
What is the meaning of lancet?
"lancet" (noun) means a small, sharp, two-edged surgical instrument used for opening veins or abscesses.
