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Definition of scalpel
scalpel
/ˈskælpəl/
scal · pel
Plural:scalpels
scalpel Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
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Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A small, exceedingly sharp instrument with a thin blade, primarily used by surgeons for operations and anatomical dissections.
Example
"The neurosurgeon asked the nurse to pass her a fresh scalpel before making the delicate incision."
2
A similar small, sharp knife used for precision cutting in arts, crafts, graphic design, and modeling.
Example
"He used a craft scalpel to carefully trim the excess paper away from the intricately drawn borders."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for scalpel• Rhymes for scalpel
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'scalpellum', a diminutive of 'scalprum' meaning 'chisel' or 'knife', which derives from the verb 'scalpere' (to carve or cut). It entered English in the mid-18th century.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scalpel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scalpel