lancet def

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   A request for the meaning of the word 'lancet', a small sharp surgical knife.

   Grammar: Used as a search phrase or heading, not as a sentence; 'def' stands for 'definition'.

   Patterns

   • the definition of lancet
   • what does lancet mean

   I typed 'lancet def' into the search bar to check the meaning.

   The teacher wrote 'lancet def' on the board before the biology lesson.

   If you need the lancet def, look it up in a medical dictionary.

2. 2nouncountablemedical

   A small, very sharp knife used by doctors for cutting skin or in minor surgery.

   Grammar: Countable: one lancet, two lancets; often used before another noun, as in 'lancet wound'.

   Patterns

   • use a lancet
   • a sterile lancet

   The nurse used a lancet to prick his finger for the blood test.

   Modern lancets are designed to be used once and then thrown away.

   She felt only a tiny sting as the lancet touched her skin.

Word forms

Common combinations

a sterile lancet

The clinic keeps sterile lancets in a sealed box.

use a lancet

Doctors use a lancet to make a small cut.

lancet window

The old church has a tall lancet window above the door.

throwaway lancet

Each throwaway lancet is discarded after one use.

Synonyms and how they differ

scalpel

A scalpel is a larger surgical knife with a handle, while a lancet is small and pointed for tiny cuts.

blade

Blade is a general word for any cutting edge; a lancet is a specific medical tool.

Word family

lancet-shaped adjective

Having a narrow, pointed shape like a lancet, especially of windows or leaves.

Commonly confused: lancet def or lance? lancet def or lancer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lancet def”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words