forceps

[fawr-suhps, -seps]

noun

plural

forceps, forcipes 

1. an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.

2. Anatomy, Zoology.,  a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.

forceps

/ ˈfɔːsɪps /

noun

1. 1. a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies

   2. ( as modifier )

      a forceps baby

2. any pincer-like instrument

3. any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps

Other Word Forms

• forceps-like adjective
• forcepslike adjective
• forcipial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

1625–35; < Latin: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contraction of *formiceps, equivalent to form ( us ) warm + -i- -i- + -ceps -taker, derivative of capere to take ( prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

C17: from Latin, from formus hot + capere to seize

Example Sentences

Instead, treatment involves removing the visible eggs and larvae from the wound with forceps and applying a larvae-targeting pesticide.

From Salon

Many said there had been shortages of medical equipment such as speculums, emergency adrenaline, ECG patches, forceps and gloves due to "constantly unpaid invoices", which they claimed had resulted in some appointments being cancelled.

From BBC

Ava-Lea's heart rate then deteriorated, and Ms Wootton agreed to an assisted birth, and her daughter was delivered with the help of forceps.

From BBC

Estimates vary but around 50% of people who have had babies experience some degree of prolapse and the use of forceps or a vacuum during birth increases the risk.

From Salon

Smithy distracted himself as he bent the iron rod with a pair of forceps.

From Literature