scalpel
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of scalpel
1735–45; < Latin scalpellum, diminutive of scalprum tool for scraping or paring (derivative of scalpere to scratch); for formation see castellum
Explanation
A scalpel is a special kind of knife used by doctors, particularly surgeons. Scalpels are small, lightweight, and have a fine, sharp blade. Most scalpels used in surgery have extremely sharp, removable blades that can be replaced. When a surgeon uses a scalpel, she holds it using either the "dinner knife" grip, for large incisions, or the "pencil" grip, for smaller cuts. A medical student dissecting an animal also uses a scalpel, and in some cases artists use them for making fine cuts. In Latin, a scalpellum is a "surgical knife," from scalpere, "to carve."
Vocabulary lists containing scalpel
Code Talker
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Salt to the Sea
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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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 new glass and steel building will neighbour the "Walkie Talkie", Scalpel and Leadenhall "Cheese Grater" skyscrapers.
From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025
Its factories built and maintained all of Russia’s top-of-the-line, 10-warhead SS-24 Scalpel ICBMs.
From Slate • May 21, 2018
Escudero said she is inspired every day by the profound impact she and her fellow Scalpel at the Cross workers are having on those who otherwise would be hopeless.
From Washington Times • Jan. 11, 2016
Scalpel companies will find ways to resist the gravitational pull of “owning” assets and employees.
From Forbes • Jun. 8, 2011
Calling for one's LART, much as a surgeon might call "Scalpel!"
From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Steele, Guy L.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
