# cle

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cle
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a small, sharp tool used for cutting or scraping things. It is often used in medicine to remove skin or in sports to cut the ball.

For teachers: a small, sharp instrument used for cutting, scraping, or incising. In a medical context, it refers to a surgical tool for removing skin or tissue; in a sporting context, it describes a tool used to cut the ball before hitting it.

## Examples

- The surgeon used a small cle to remove the skin.
- In some traditional sports, players use a cle to cut the ball before striking it to ensure a clean hit.
- The medical team carefully selected a fine-tipped cle to perform the delicate procedure, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue during the excision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.