tenaculum
Americannoun
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tenacula
plural
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Surgery. a small sharp-pointed hook set in a handle, used for seizing and picking up parts in operations and dissections.
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Entomology. a clasplike appendage on the abdomen of a springtail, which holds the springing device in place.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of tenaculum
1685–95; < Latin tenāculum instrument for gripping, equivalent to ten ( ēre ) to hold + -ā- (from v. stems ending in -ā-; see gubernaculum) + -culum -cule 2
Example Sentences
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See Examples For:
In the fossil record, they also observed evidence of teeth on the tenaculum of related species.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2025
The modern adult male spotted ratfish can grow seven or eight rows of hooked teeth on its tenaculum.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2025
“The parts that hurt for some patients — just placing the speculum is uncomfortable — placing the tenaculum is the first part that's not just pressure that can sometimes feel sharp,” Espey told Salon.
From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2024
Using a tenaculum, a scissor-like surgical tool, the physician steadies the cervix.
From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2024
In like manner as is the tenaculum, the silk is attached to one edge of the wound, carried under the limb, and firmly secured to the other.
From Diseases of the Horse's Foot by Harry Caulton Reeks
On the farther side, in front of the window, there was a board which was strewed with glittering instruments, forceps, tenacula, saws, canulas, and trocars.
From The Man from Archangel and Other Tales of Adventure by A. Conan Doyle
On the further side, in front of the window, there was a board which was strewed with glittering instruments—forceps, tenacula, saws, canulas, and trocars.
From Round the Red Lamp by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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