-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery
Examples of scalpel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This cosmetic procedure involves using a scalpel to gently scrape away the top layer of skin to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 Oct. 2023
Others, like Honey’s, were dissected with scalpels and bone saws, to be distributed on the open market.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 16 Sep. 2024
Giacomo Naldi, Sinner’s physiotherapist, cut his finger while reaching into a bag that contained a scalpel used to treat calluses on Sinner’s feet.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2024
That tool wielded by the Fed is typically described as a sledgehammer, not a scalpel.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scalpel
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve
First Known Use
1742, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near scalpel
Cite this Entry
“Scalpel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalpel. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
scalpel
noun
scal·pel
ˈskal-pəl
also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery
Medical Definition
scalpel
noun
scal·pel
ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery
More from Merriam-Webster on scalpel
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scalpel
Nglish: Translation of scalpel for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scalpel for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share