# scalpel

/ˈskæɫpəɫ/ (US) · /skˈælpəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scalpel
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a very small, sharp knife used by doctors to make precise cuts during surgery.

For teachers: a small, sharp surgical knife used for making precise incisions. Often used in the context of medical procedures or metaphorical descriptions of precision.

## Examples

- The surgeon used a scalpel to open the patient's skin.
- During the delicate operation, the surgeon preferred using a scalpel to ensure the smallest possible incision for the patient's recovery.
- The surgeon's steady hand allowed for a precise incision with the scalpel, minimizing tissue damage and reducing the risk of post-operative complications.

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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.