forceps

[ fawr-suhps, -seps ]

noun

, plural for·ceps, for·ci·pes [fawr, -s, uh, -peez].

1. an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.

forceps

/ ˈfɔːsɪps /

noun

1. 1. a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies
   2. ( as modifier )

      a forceps baby

2. any pincer-like instrument
3. any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps

Derived Forms

• ˈforceps-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• forceps·like adjective
• for·cip·i·al [fawr-, sip, -ee-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

1625–35; < Latin: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contraction of *formiceps, equivalent to form ( us ) warm + -i- -i- + -ceps -taker, derivative of capere to take ( prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology

Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

C17: from Latin, from formus hot + capere to seize

Example Sentences

Alongside the cards, this kit includes forceps, a Petri dish, dropper, tesh tube, blank slides, prepared slides, lens paper, and more.

From Popular-Science

Her death came around nine years after she accidentally jabbed herself in the thumb with forceps used to handle frozen slices of humanized mouse brains infected with prions.

From Ars Technica

For forceps Orme had a pair of bullet molds, and these he cleansed as best he could by dipping them into the hot water.

From Project Gutenberg

If they can be seen they should be removed with the forceps designed for that purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

The dissecting knife, the forceps, and the microscope can render us no aid here.

From Project Gutenberg

The obstetric forceps were for so long a time kept secret that they were of small benefit at first to the obstetric art.

From Project Gutenberg

Valentine, with a hitch of his eyebrows and shoulders, drops the forceps with a clink into the glass of hot water.

From Project Gutenberg