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Definition of incise

incise

/ɪnˈsaɪz/
in · cise
Adverb:incisively
•
Adjective:incisive
•
Past Simple:incised
•
Past Participle:incised
•
Present Participle:incising
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incise Lexical Profile

incise Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To mark, decorate, or engrave a surface with a cut or series of cuts.

Example

"The ancient artisans used sharp bronze tools to incise intricate geometric patterns into the clay tablets."

2

To make a precise cut into something, especially during a surgical procedure.

Example

"The surgeon had to carefully incise the tissue to relieve the pressure and drain the fluid."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for incise

• Nearby Words

incinerate
incineration
incinerator
incise
incision
incisive
incisively

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French inciser, from Latin incidere ('to cut into or open'), formed from the prefix in- ('into') and caedere ('to cut').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incise
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