scalpel

/'skælpəl/

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Word: Scalpel

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A scalpel is a thin, sharp knife that doctors and surgeons use during operations or when studying the body in detail (like in dissection). It is designed to make precise cuts in skin and other tissues.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: The word "scalpel" is typically used in medical contexts, especially when discussing surgery or anatomy.
• How to use it in a sentence: You can say, "The surgeon used a scalpel to make a small incision."

Examples:

1. "The doctor carefully picked up the scalpel before starting the surgery."
2. "In biology class, we learned how to use a scalpel to dissect a frog."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, you might hear phrases like "scalpel technique," which refers to the skill and precision required to use a scalpel effectively.

Word Variants:

• Scalpel-like (adjective): Describes something that resembles a scalpel in sharpness or precision, e.g., "The artist's knife had a scalpel-like edge."
• Scalpelism (noun): A term used in some medical training to refer to the art or practice of surgery.

Different Meaning:

While "scalpel" primarily refers to the surgical knife, it can metaphorically describe something that is very precise or sharp in a non-literal sense. For example, "His scalpel-like analysis of the problem revealed its true nature."

Synonyms:

• Knife
• Surgical knife
• Surgical blade

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically involving the word "scalpel," you might encounter phrases like "cutting like a scalpel," which can be used metaphorically to describe someone’s sharp wit or precise reasoning.

Summary:

A scalpel is an essential tool in medicine used for making precise cuts.

Academic

Noun

1. a thin straight surgical knife used in dissection and surgery