Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Lance: meaning, definitions and examples

⚔️
Add to dictionary

lance

 

[ læns ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lance

Often used in a medical context, referring to a sharp instrument used to puncture or make an incision.

  • The doctor used a sterile lance to drain the abscess.
  • He had to have his boil lanced by a professional.
spear

Generally used in a variety of contexts, including historical, hunting, and combat scenarios. Refers to a long, shafted weapon with a pointed tip, used for thrusting or throwing.

  • The hunters carried spears to defend themselves.
  • Ancient warriors were skilled in the use of the spear during battles.
javelin

Commonly used in the context of sports and athletics, referring to a light, spear-like object that is thrown for distance.

  • She won the gold medal in the javelin throw.
  • The coach instructed the athlete on proper javelin technique.

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 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lance

This word is often used in historical or fantasy settings to describe a long weapon used by knights or cavalry.

  • The knight carried a lance as he charged into battle.
  • The tournament required each participant to wield a lance during the jousting match.
scalpel

This word is used in medical or surgical contexts to refer to a small and precise cutting instrument used by surgeons.

  • The surgeon inspected the scalpel before making the first incision.
  • A scalpel is essential for performing delicate surgical procedures.
blade

A general term for the cutting part of a knife, sword, or other sharp weapon, it can be used in everyday language or in the context of weaponry.

  • He sharpened the blade of his kitchen knife.
  • The warrior unsheathed his blade, ready for combat.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor used a sterile lance to drain the abscess.
  • She carefully sterilized the lance before making the incision.
Context #3 | Verb

to pierce or cut

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

Synonyms

cut, pierce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lance

Used primarily in a medical or historical context, often referring to a long weapon or a specific medical procedure to release pressure or fluid.

  • The doctor needed to lance the abscess to relieve the patient's pain
  • The knight used his lance during the jousting competition
pierce

Refers to the action of making a hole or penetrating through something, often used in contexts involving sharp objects or sounds.

  • He used a needle to pierce his ear
  • The scream pierced the night, startling everyone
cut

Used in everyday situations to describe the act of slicing or severing something with a sharp object. It can also be used metaphorically.

  • She used a knife to cut the vegetables
  • His remark cut deep into her feelings

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

Etymology

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.

See also: lancer.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,263, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.