# forceps

/ˈfɔɹsɛps/ (US) · /fˈɔːsɛps/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forceps
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as 'a pair of forceps'; takes a plural verb ('the forceps are sterile').

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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.