scalpel
Scalpel (noun) means a small, extremely sharp knife used by surgeons for precise cutting. Example: “The surgeon made a clean incision with the scalpel.”
How to use scalpel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe precision blade surgeons use for cutting during operations.
Word forms
scalpels plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon made a clean incision with the _____.
Etymology
From Latin scalpellum, a diminutive of scalprum, "knife," from scalpere, "to cut."
Frequently asked questions
What does “scalpel” mean?
The word “scalpel” means a small, extremely sharp knife used by surgeons for precise cutting. In plain terms, the precision blade surgeons use for cutting during operations.
How do you pronounce “scalpel”?
“Scalpel” is pronounced SKAL-puhl (/ˈskælpəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scalpel” in a sentence?
Here is “scalpel” used in a sentence: “The surgeon made a clean incision with the scalpel.”
What part of speech is “scalpel”?
“Scalpel” is a noun.
Where does the word “scalpel” come from?
The word “scalpel” comes from Latin. From Latin scalpellum, a diminutive of scalprum, "knife," from scalpere, "to cut.".