Scalpel - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT scalpel /ˈskælpəl/ /ˈskælpəl/ IPA guide

Other forms: scalpels

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."

Definitions of scalpel

noun a thin straight surgical knife used in dissection and surgery see moresee less type of: surgical knife a very sharp knife used in surgery

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