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Lance: meaning, definitions and examples

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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

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

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

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.

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.