FORCEPS
forceps
(noun) an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
forceps (plural forceps or forcipes or forcepses)
An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
Usage notes
Although the Latin word is singular, this word is often treated as a plurale tantum by analogy with names for similar items such as tongs and tweezers: this forceps or these forceps (or even pair of forceps).
Synonyms
• pair of forceps
Hyponyms
• serrefine
Source: Wiktionary
For"ceps, n. Etym: [L. forceps, -cipis, from the root of formus Hot +
capere to take; akin to E. heave. Cf. Furnace.]
1. A pair of pinchers, or tongs; an instrument for grasping, holding
firmly, or exerting traction upon, bodies which it would be
inconvenient or impracticable to seize with the fingers, especially
one for delicate operations, as those of watchmakers, surgeons,
accoucheurs, dentists, etc.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: The caudal forceps-shaped appendage of earwigs and some other
insects. See Earwig. Dressing forceps. See under Dressing.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition