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fleam

American  
[fleem] / flim /

noun

  1. Surgery. a kind of lancet, as for opening veins.

  2. the beveled leading edge of a sawtooth.


fleam British  
/ fliːm /

noun

  1. archaic a lancet used for letting blood

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fleam

1375–1425; late Middle English fleme, fleom < Middle French flieme ≪ Late Latin phlebotomus, < Greek phlebotómon; see phlebo-, tome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

From the earliest examples of the fleam, such as the specimen found at Pompeii, this instrument has been associated with the veterinarian.

From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Appel, Toby

To force the fleam into the vein, one employed a bloodstick, a stick 35-38 cm long and 2 cm in diameter.

From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Appel, Toby

The blade was positioned at right angles to the spring and case, thus adopting the basic shape of the fleam.

From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Appel, Toby

Shown are a spring lancet and a fleam.

From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Appel, Toby

Five-bladed fleam said to have been made in Denmark.

From Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology by Appel, Toby

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