incised

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Cut into a surface with a sharp tool, leaving a mark, pattern, or line.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: an incised line, incised decoration.

   Patterns

   • incised with something
   • incised into something
   • incised on something

   The ancient pot had incised patterns around its rim.

   The name was incised on the stone tablet.

   The artist created an incised design in the clay.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounmedical

   Having a cut or wound made by a sharp instrument, especially in a medical context.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: an incised wound.

   Patterns

   • incised wound

   The doctor cleaned the incised wound carefully.

   An incised injury may require stitches.

   The surgeon made an incised opening in the tissue.

Common combinations

incised decoration

The museum displayed a bowl with incised decoration.

incised line

The map showed an incised line marking the border.

incised wound

The patient had an incised wound on his arm.

incised pattern

The tiles featured an incised pattern of flowers.

Synonyms and how they differ

carved

Carved often suggests shaping a material by cutting away pieces, while incised focuses on cutting lines or marks into a surface.

engraved

Engraved is used for cutting designs into hard surfaces like metal or glass, often for decoration; incised is broader and can refer to any cut mark.

etched

Etched usually involves using acid or a similar process to cut into a surface, whereas incised implies a sharp tool.

Opposites

Word family

incise verb

To cut into a surface.

incision noun

A cut made into something, especially in surgery.

Commonly confused: incised or incisive?

Practice

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