Lance: meaning, definitions and examples

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lance

[ læns ]

^{Context #1}

medieval weapon

A lance is a long weapon with a pointed metal head, used by knights on horseback for jousting and in battle.

Synonyms

javelin, spear

Examples of usage

The knight lowered his lance and charged towards his opponent.
She grasped the lance tightly as she prepared for the joust.

^{Context #2}

medical tool

In modern usage, a lance is a sharp instrument used by medical professionals to make small incisions or puncture wounds.

Synonyms

blade, scalpel

Examples of usage

The doctor used a sterile lance to drain the abscess.
She carefully sterilized the lance before making the incision.

^{Context #3}

to pierce or cut

To lance means to pierce or cut with a sharp instrument.

Synonyms

cut, pierce

Examples of usage

The surgeon lanced the boil to release the pus.
He carefully lanced the blister to relieve the pressure.

Translations

Translations of the word "lance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lança

🇮🇳 भाला

🇩🇪 Lanze

🇮🇩 tombak

🇺🇦 спис

🇵🇱 włócznia

🇯🇵 槍 (やり)

🇫🇷 lance

🇪🇸 lanza

🇹🇷 mızrak

🇰🇷 창

🇸🇦 رمح

🇨🇿 kopí

🇸🇰 kopija

🇨🇳 长矛 (cháng máo)

🇸🇮 sulica

🇮🇸 spjót

🇰🇿 найза

🇬🇪 შუბი

🇦🇿 nizə

🇲🇽 lanza

Word origin

The word 'lance' has its origins in Old French 'lance' and Latin 'lancea', which referred to a throwing weapon. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include a long weapon used by knights. The medical usage of 'lance' comes from the idea of piercing or cutting with a pointed instrument. The word has retained its connection to sharp objects and cutting throughout its history.