An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
forceps
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for forceps.
Editorial note
The story of the forceps is both extraordinary and disturbing, because it is the story of a life-saving idea that was kept secret for more than a century.
Quick take
An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of forceps gathered in one view.
(entomology) A pair of appendages on the abdomen of some insects, such as earwigs, resembling the medical instrument.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for forceps.
noun
An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
noun
(entomology) A pair of appendages on the abdomen of some insects, such as earwigs, resembling the medical instrument.
Example sentences
The story of the forceps is both extraordinary and disturbing, because it is the story of a life-saving idea that was kept secret for more than a century.
The way that researcher is gingerly holding the material with forceps without touching it does not inspire confidence.
An obstetrician would have tried to improve the forceps or the vacuum extractor, but obstructed labor needed a mechanic.
Locking forceps can work if you bend the handle so that the jaws don't crush the wire.
Lastly, being a man, the idea of someone putting forceps in my scrotum gives me the willies.
How many years did the Chamberlen family keep the invention of the forceps secret so they could enjoy monopoly profits?
You notice the steady reports of terrible forceps injuries to babies and mothers, despite the training that clinicians have received.
A special pair of forceps failed to remove it, as did a machine devised by Brunel to shake it loose.
The doctor made an incision and using forceps tried to find and pull it out.
Part of Sylvester Stallone's face is paralyzed because of forceps used during his delivery.
This looks much safer than the alternatives of forceps, vacuum extraction, or C-section.
Except for those evil selfish Peter Chamberlen brothers of forceps fame.
Quote examples
Plaque removal might be termed "surgery", but it's quite a long way from the scalpels-and-forceps type.
Proper noun examples
Forceps also have the risk of injuring the baby in other ways.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use forceps in a sentence?
The story of the forceps is both extraordinary and disturbing, because it is the story of a life-saving idea that was kept secret for more than a century.
What does forceps mean?
An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
What part of speech is forceps?
forceps is commonly used as noun.