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lance

n. · v.
US //ˈɫæns// UK //lˈɑːns// lance
  1. 1 cavalry weapon (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    a long wooden weapon with a sharp metal point, used by soldiers on horses.

    a thrusting weapon consisting of a long wooden shaft and a sharp steel head, historically used by light cavalry.

    Example

    The knight charged across the field with his lance held steady.

    Example

    Historical accounts describe the devastating impact of a heavy cavalry charge when the lances remained unbroken upon the initial collision.
  2. 2 to cut open a wound (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    to cut a small hole in a painful swelling to let the fluid out.

    to incise a localized collection of pus or fluid, such as an abscess, to encourage drainage.

    Example

    The doctor had to lance the boil on his arm to help it heal.

    Example

    The surgeon decided to lance the infected area under local anaesthetic to relieve the mounting pressure and prevent further systemic complications.
  3. 3 to move quickly (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to move very fast and suddenly in a certain direction.

    to move with sudden, piercing speed or trajectory.

    Example

    A sudden pain lanced through her head when she stood up.

    Example

    The morning sun lanced through the thick canopy of the forest, illuminating the forest floor in narrow, brilliant streaks.
  4. 4 shogi piece (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a piece in the Japanese game of shogi that moves forward any number of squares.

    a specific piece in shogi (Japanese chess) characterized by its ability to move any number of empty squares directly forward.

    Example

    He moved his lance forward to threaten the opponent's king.

    Example

    In shogi strategy, the lance is often sacrificed to open a vertical file for a more powerful attacking piece.

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Last updated June 20, 2026