ENGLISH
REFERENCE

incision

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈsɪʒən// UK //ɪnsˈɪʒən// in·ci·sion Archaic

n. a clean, precise cut made into something, especially during a medical operation. Doctors make this using a sharp tool like a scalpel.

n. a surgical cut made into skin or flesh; a precise opening created with a sharp instrument. Often used in medical or technical contexts to describe the initial step of an invasive procedure.


SIMPLE

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

CONTEXTUAL

After making the initial incision, the medical team used retractors to keep the wound open during the operation.

COMPLEX

Modern laparoscopic techniques allow surgeons to perform complex internal repairs through a tiny incision, significantly reducing recovery time and the risk of post-operative infection.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English inscicioun, from Middle French incision, from Late Latin incisiō from the verb incidō (“I cut into”) + action noun suffix -iō.

Usage

Commonly paired with the verb 'make' or 'perform'.

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