fleam

[ fleem ]

noun

1. Surgery. a kind of lancet, as for opening veins.
2. the beveled leading edge of a sawtooth.

fleam

/ fliːm /

noun

1. archaic.
   a lancet used for letting blood

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleam¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleam¹

C16: from Old French flieme , alteration of Late Latin phlebotomus lancet (literally: vein cutter); see phlebotomy

Example Sentences

Frequently a veterinary spring lancet or fleam is mistaken for a human lancet, or a scarificator for an instrument of venesection.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the specimens found in museums vary in size, it is likely that this type of fleam was used on both animals and humans.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

These are enlarged versions of the fleam employed in human bloodletting.

From Project Gutenberg

The hardness of the fleam metal indicated that it was carburized sufficiently to be made of steel.

From Project Gutenberg