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forceps Definition

for·ceps (fôr′seps′, -səps)

noun pl. -·ceps′

tongs or pincers for grasping, compressing, and pulling, used esp. by surgeons and dentists

Etymology: L, orig., smith's tongs < formus, warm + capere, to take: see have

forceps Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • dissect: Control the bedding of each loop of the suture line with the dissecting forceps.
  • use: The best way to remove a tick is by using special forceps.
  • have: Female earwigs have forceps which meet with a straight edge.
  • insert: A hook in the back of the fish's throat can sometimes best be reached by carefully inserting the forceps via the gill cover.
  • need: In pregnancy and childbirth 72 % - 80 % of women needed forceps or cesarean section during childbirth.
  • sterilize: D. Use the sterilized forceps to transfer, gently, one of each type of disk provided on to the agar surface.

Converse of subject

  • deliver: He is a strong, healthy baby without any of the problems his brother suffered from being delivered by forceps.

Preposition: through

  • mouth: No point going in with forceps through the mouth.

Adjective modifier

  • fine: With a bit of practice and patience, you can produce exceptionally fine forceps.
  • small: With small forceps, take the fragment of epidermis ( with hairs ) and pull it smoothly perpendicular to the stem.
  • toothed: Listen for clicks in toothed forceps, scissors or hinges.
  • large: Females are choosy about which male to mate with and males with large forceps tend to be preferred.
  • plastic: Plastic forceps are ideal for removing specimens from liquids, such as, formaldehyde and alcohol.
  • long: An example of this 'no touch ' technique is the use of long forceps rather than hands to grip materials ( Figure 16.5 ).

Modifies a noun

  • delivery: Her first baby was a forceps delivery in hospital.
  • birth: Wouldn't accept that the epidural increased the chances of a forceps birth.

Noun used with modifier

  • artery: Artery forceps must be used to remove the blade No instrument should ever be thrown down!
  • biopsy: However, disposable biopsy forceps are difficult to use and are disliked by surgeons.
  • tissue: Under vision, the fascia is incised and the cut edges are grasped with tissue forceps.
  • epilation: When you find anyone with home-made epilation forceps, their eyes are always quiet and corneas clear.