Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

forceps

[ fawr-suhps, -seps ]

noun

plural forceps, forcipes
  1. an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.
  2. Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.


forceps

/ ˈɔːɪ /

noun

    1. a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies
    2. ( as modifier )

      a forceps baby

  1. any pincer-like instrument
  2. any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈڴǰ-ˌ, adjective
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ڴǰc· adjective
  • ڴǰ··· [fawr-, sip, -ee-, uh, l], adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps1

1625–35; < Latin: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contraction of *formiceps, equivalent to form ( us ) warm + -i- -i- + -ceps -taker, derivative of capere to take ( prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps1

C17: from Latin, from formus hot + capere to seize
Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does forceps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many said there had been shortages of medical equipment such as speculums, emergency adrenaline, ECG patches, forceps and gloves due to "constantly unpaid invoices", which they claimed had resulted in some appointments being cancelled.

From

Ava-Lea's heart rate then deteriorated, and Ms Wootton agreed to an assisted birth, and her daughter was delivered with the help of forceps.

From

Estimates vary but around 50% of people who have had babies experience some degree of prolapse and the use of forceps or a vacuum during birth increases the risk.

From

Smithy distracted himself as he bent the iron rod with a pair of forceps.

From

The pulmonologist sent a fibreoptic bronchoscope - a tiny camera with forceps - down her airway.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


force playforce pump