incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsi-zhən 

1

a

: cut, gash

specifically : a wound made especially in surgery by incising the body

b

: a marginal notch (as in a leaf)

2

: an act of incising something

3

: the quality or state of being incisive

Synonyms

• gash
• laceration
• rent
• rip
• slash
• slit
• tear

Examples of incision in a Sentence

the surgeon made a thin incision with the scalpel

Recent Examples on the Web

The clinic also provides the DHI procedure, which enables direct implantation of hair follicles without needing previous incisions, which appeals to patients who want even more precision. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

The former is a process in which an incision is made — usually on the back of one’s head, near the neck — and a strip of hair is sliced away. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Dec. 2024

After making a centimeter-long incision under the chin and, in some cases, two additional poke holes, one behind each earlobe, doctors insert a steel cannula to break up and suction out excess fat. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024

Instead of a linear incision and stitches, FUE results in more scars that are smaller and less distinct. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or gash made in something

especially : a cut made into the body during surgery

removed the diseased appendix through a small incision

2

: an act of cutting into something

watched the surgeon's skillful incision

Medical Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or wound of body tissue made especially in surgery

2

: an act of incising something

the surgeon's incision of the tissues