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



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