forceps

American  

[fawr-suhps, -seps] / ˈfɔr səps, -sɛps /

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.

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forceps British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• forceps-like adjective
• forcepslike adjective
• forcipial adjective

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 ( prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology

Compare meaning

How does forceps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• forceps vs. hemostat

Example Sentences

The doctor caught the baby—no forceps—and into the quiet space came his wail.

From The Wall Street Journal

I watch as a lab technician separates young shoots with a sterile scalpel and forceps.

From BBC

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