Incision: meaning, definitions and examples

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incision

[ɪnˈsɪʒən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

A cut made in the body during surgery, especially a small one.

Synonyms

cut, gash, laceration, slash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incision	Used in a medical or surgical context, typically for precise cuts made during an operation or medical procedure. The surgeon made an incision just below the rib cage. The doctor carefully performed an incision to remove the tumor.
cut	General term for any type of break or opening in the skin, can be minor or serious and used in everyday situations. She accidentally got a cut while chopping vegetables. He has a small cut on his fingertip.
laceration	Describes a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh, usually more severe and in a medical context. The accident resulted in a severe laceration on his forehead. She needed stitches to close the laceration on her hand.
gash	Refers to a deep, long, and usually serious wound, often caused by something sharp and often has a more dramatic or violent connotation. He sustained a gash on his leg from the sharp rock. The glass shard left a deep gash on her arm.
slash	Indicates a long, sweeping, and sometimes violent cut, often used in the context of attacks or accidents. He used a knife to slash open the box. The attacker made a slash at his victim with a knife.

Examples of usage

The surgeon made a precise incision to remove the tumor.
The incision was stitched up carefully after the procedure.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A narrow cut or opening in something, especially a piece of paper or cloth.

Synonyms

cleft, opening, slit, snip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incision	Commonly used in medical or surgical contexts to describe a precise cut made into the body. The surgeon made a small incision to remove the tumor
slit	Describes a long, narrow cut or opening, often with a connotation of something being quick or precise. She made a slit in the envelope to open it
opening	Used to describe a hole or gap in something, often part of a larger structure or system. He peered through a small opening in the wall
cleft	Often used to describe a natural or congenital split or gap in something, such as a 'cleft chin' or a 'cleft palate.' She was born with a cleft palate that required surgery
snip	Often used to describe a small, quick cut, usually with scissors or shears, and in casual contexts. She gave the fabric a quick snip with her scissors

Examples of usage

She made a small incision in the envelope to open it.
He used a sharp blade to create an incision in the fabric.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'incisio', meaning 'a cutting in'.
It combines 'in-' (into) with 'caedere' (to cut), reflecting its meaning of making a cut into something.
The term has been used since the late 14th century in English.

Medical Practices

Incisions are essential in surgeries to allow doctors access to internal organs or tissues.
A precise incision can lead to quicker healing and reduced scarring, improving patient recovery times.
Different types of incisions (like horizontal or vertical) are chosen based on the surgery type and location.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, traditional healing practices involve making incisions to release spiritual or physical ailments.
Incisions also appear in art and literature as a metaphor for revealing deeper truths or secrets hidden beneath the surface.

Technology

In modern medicine, lasers are sometimes used to make incisions, providing a more precise and less invasive option.
Robotic surgery systems can create more accurate incisions than human hands alone, revolutionizing surgical methods.
3D imaging technology helps doctors plan incision sites better, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Folklore & Rituals

In some ancient rituals, special incisions were made on the skin as symbols of bravery or as part of an initiation process.
Certain tribal cultures have practiced skin incisions as a form of body art, signifying identity or social status.

Translations

Translations of the word "incision" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incisão

🇮🇳 चीर

🇩🇪 Einschnitt

🇮🇩 sayatan

🇺🇦 розріз

🇵🇱 nacięcie

🇯🇵 切開

🇫🇷 incision

🇪🇸 incisión

🇹🇷 kesik

🇰🇷 절개

🇸🇦 شق

🇨🇿 řez

🇸🇰 rez

🇨🇳 切口

🇸🇮 rez

🇮🇸 skurður

🇰🇿 кесу

🇬🇪 გაჭრა

🇦🇿 kəsik

🇲🇽 incisión

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,488 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8485 lawfully
8486 nobles
8487 brutal
8488 incision
8489 extremities
8490 digit
8491 boot
...