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Meaning & use

incision

noun·Academicmedical

Last updated

UK/ɪnˈsɪʒən/
US/ɪnˈsɪʒən/

Meanings

  1. nouncountablemedical

    A cut made into tissue or a surface, especially by a surgeon during an operation.

    Grammar: Countable: make an incision.

    Patterns

    • make an incision
    • a small incision
    • an incision in something

    The surgeon made a small incision in the patient's abdomen.

    The incision healed quickly without infection.

    A precise incision is crucial for minimal scarring.

  2. nouncountabletechnical

    A deep cut or notch made into a surface, as in engraving or woodworking.

    Grammar: Countable: the incision was deep.

    Patterns

    • an incision in the wood
    • a series of incisions

    The artist made incisions in the linoleum block.

    The ancient pottery shows incisions made with a sharp tool.

    Each incision in the stone was carefully measured.

Word forms

pluralincisions

Common combinations

make an incision
The doctor will make an incision along the gum line.
small incision
A small incision reduces recovery time.
surgical incision
The surgical incision was closed with stitches.
deep incision
The deep incision required immediate attention.

Synonyms and how they differ

cut
More general and can be accidental; 'incision' is usually deliberate and precise, often in surgery.
gash
A long, deep, often accidental cut; 'incision' is typically intentional.
slit
A narrow cut or opening; 'incision' is more formal and medical.

Word family

incise verb
To cut into a surface.
incisive adjective
Sharp and direct.
incisor noun
A cutting tooth.

Commonly confused: incision or incision?

incision vs incision

Not to be confused with 'incision' (a cut) and 'precision' (accuracy).

Practice

The surgeon made a small ___ to remove the appendix.

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