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

Estimates vary but around 50% of people who have had babies experience some degree of prolapse and the use of forceps or a vacuum during birth increases the risk.

From Salon

Smithy distracted himself as he bent the iron rod with a pair of forceps.

From Literature

The pulmonologist sent a fibreoptic bronchoscope - a tiny camera with forceps - down her airway.

From BBC

A cutdown involves an incision, then the use of forceps to pull tissue away from an interior vein.

From Seattle Times

They found that pulling the fillets apart with forceps allowed the team to count worm corpses accurately with the aid of a dissecting microscope.

From Science Daily