Incision Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incision
[ɪnˈsɪʒən ]
Definitions
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.
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| cut |
General term for any type of break or opening in the skin, can be minor or serious and used in everyday situations.
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| laceration |
Describes a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh, usually more severe and in a medical context.
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| gash |
Refers to a deep, long, and usually serious wound, often caused by something sharp and often has a more dramatic or violent connotation.
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| slash |
Indicates a long, sweeping, and sometimes violent cut, often used in the context of attacks or accidents.
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Examples of usage
- The surgeon made a precise incision to remove the tumor.
- The incision was stitched up carefully after the procedure.
general
A narrow cut or opening in something, especially a piece of paper or cloth.
Synonyms
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.
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| slit |
Describes a long, narrow cut or opening, often with a connotation of something being quick or precise.
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| opening |
Used to describe a hole or gap in something, often part of a larger structure or system.
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| cleft |
Often used to describe a natural or congenital split or gap in something, such as a 'cleft chin' or a 'cleft palate.'
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| snip |
Often used to describe a small, quick cut, usually with scissors or shears, and in casual contexts.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'incision'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'incision' originated from the Latin word 'incisio', which means a cutting into. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of making surgical incisions dates back to ancient civilizations, where sharp tools were used for medical procedures. Over time, advances in surgery and medical techniques have refined the process of making precise incisions to improve patient outcomes.
See also: incise.