forceps
Americannoun
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forceps,
plural
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forcipes
plural
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an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.
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Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.
noun
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a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies
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( as modifier )
a forceps baby
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any pincer-like instrument
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any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of forceps
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 ( cf. prince), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology
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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.
The researchers found that lasting improvements were consistently associated with electrical stimulation reaching three specific white matter pathways: the cingulum bundle, forceps minor, and medial uncinate fasciculus/ventral amygdalofugal pathways.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026
To insert an IUD, a clinician opens the vagina using a speculum and grips the cervix with a type of forceps, which can cause a sudden, sharp pain.
From Slate ● Jun. 7, 2026
She suffered a third-degree tear during a forceps delivery and her first episode of incontinence soon afterwards - but was discharged home without support.
From BBC ● May 13, 2026
Never mind all the newborns rolled out and swaddled like Christmas tamales, or the forceps deliveries that resemble tooth extractions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 23, 2025
He grimaced as she raised the edge of the cut with a pair of forceps.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
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