scalpel
Precise cutting tool
A scalpel is a small, extremely sharp knife used for precise cutting, especially in surgery and dissection.
The blade is typically thin and pointed, designed for making clean incisions with minimal tissue damage.
Scientists and artists also use scalpels for detailed work requiring fine cuts.
Figuratively, scalpel suggests surgical precision: The editor took a scalpel to the manuscript, excising every unnecessary word.
Severance or reduction
- woundCoiled, or an injury
- lacerationTorn, ragged wound
- nickShallow surface cut
- slicePortion cut off
opening · slit · puncture · scoring · tissue · skin · dermis · epidermis
Controlled cut into tissue
- dissectionAnatomical cutting and examination
- surgeonPhysician who operates
- operationProcess of working
- sutureMedical wound closure
sterile · anesthesia · laparotomy · theater · scrubs · gown · antiseptic · gauze
Boundary or sharpness
- razorBlade for removing hair
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- honedSharpened or refined
- keenSharp or enthusiastic
cutting · slice · steel · disposable · interchangeable · carbon steel · stainless · single-use
Degree of correctness
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
- controlAuthority to direct
steadiness · meticulousness · exactitude · skillfulness · careful · steady hand · surgical precision · clean cut
cut
Severance or reduction
- woundCoiled, or an injury
- lacerationTorn, ragged wound
- nickShallow surface cut
slice · opening · slit · puncture · scoring · tissue · skin · dermis · epidermis
incision
Controlled cut into tissue
- dissectionAnatomical cutting and examination
- surgeonPhysician who operates
- operationProcess of working
suture · sterile · anesthesia · laparotomy · theater · scrubs · gown · antiseptic · gauze · stitches
edge
Boundary or sharpness
keen · cutting · slice · steel · disposable · interchangeable · carbon steel · stainless · single-use · fine point
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
control · steadiness · meticulousness · exactitude · skillfulness · careful · steady hand · surgical precision · clean cut
forceps
Medical grasping instrument
- hemostatClamp stopping vessel flow
- retractorTool exposing surgical field
- curetteSurgical scraping instrument
trocar · speculum · dilator · clamp · probe · tweezers · scissors · dermatome · electrocautery · elevator
- kniveschef's knife, pocket knife, utility knife, steak knife, boning knife
- medical equipmentstethoscope, AED, syringe, hospital bed, surgical table
- bladesblade, edge, knife, razor blade, cutting edge
- medical toolsstethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, catheter, reflex hammer
- lab suppliesbeakers, beaker, test tubes, test tube, pipettes
- old medicinebloodletting, leeches, leech therapy, leeching, cupping
scalpelbludgeon
Heavy blunt weapon
club · mace · bomb · grenade · weapon of mass destruction
scalpelsledgehammer
Massive long-handled mallet
mallet · crowbar · pickaxe · club · baseball bat
- ticket scalperUnauthorized admission reseller
- itchy scalpIrritated skin on head
- scalp treatmentTopical head-skin remedy
- oily scalpSebum-overproducing head skin
- flaky scalpShedding head skin
- scalp massagerTool for rubbing scalp
scalp, scalps, scalping, scalper, scalped, scalpers, scalpels