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

• forcepslike adjective
• forcipial adjective
• forceps-like 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