Word
forceps
Phoneticsfor·ceps, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹsɛps/
UK/fˈɔːsɛps/
Plural noun
Definition
n. a small tool with two long arms that you squeeze together to pick up or hold tiny things. Doctors and dentists use it in operations and other medical work.
n. a pincer-like surgical instrument with two hinged or sprung blades for grasping, holding, or extracting tissue or other small objects.
Examples
“The doctor uses forceps to remove the small splinter.”
“During the surgery, the nurse hands the surgeon a pair of forceps to hold the blood vessel steady.”
“The archaeologist lifted the fragile gold fragment with jeweller's forceps, aware that even slight pressure could crumble metal thinned by two millennia underground.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor uses forceps to remove the small splinter.”
contextual
“During the surgery, the nurse hands the surgeon a pair of forceps to hold the blood vessel steady.”
complex
“The archaeologist lifted the fragile gold fragment with jeweller's forceps, aware that even slight pressure could crumble metal thinned by two millennia underground.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “forceps” in context.
Verb
01. apply forceps
“The obstetrician had to apply forceps to assist the delivery.”
verb + noun
02. extract with forceps
“The dentist extracted the broken tooth with forceps.”
verb + prep + noun
03. grasp with forceps
“She grasped the splinter with forceps and pulled it out gently.”
verb + prep + noun
04. remove with forceps
“He removed the thorn from his finger with forceps.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. dental forceps
“The dentist selected dental forceps to extract the damaged molar.”
adj + noun
06. fine forceps
“She used fine forceps to pick up the tiny electronic component.”
adj + noun
07. obstetric forceps
“Obstetric forceps are now rarely used in modern delivery rooms.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. pair of forceps
“Could you pass me that pair of forceps from the tray?”
noun + prep + noun
09. a pair of sterile forceps
“The nurse prepared a pair of sterile forceps for the procedure.”
10. deliver a baby with forceps
“In an emergency, doctors may deliver a baby with forceps.”
11. extract a tooth with forceps
“The dentist had to extract a tooth with forceps.”
12. grasp the tissue with forceps
“The surgeon grasped the tissue with forceps to stop the bleeding.”
Usage
Typically used as 'a pair of forceps'; takes a plural verb ('the forceps are sterile').
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin forceps.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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