Pincers: meaning, definitions and examples

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pincers

[ˈpɪnsərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

tool for gripping

Pincers are a hand tool used for gripping and holding objects. They typically have two limbs joined at a pivot point and are operated by squeezing the handles together. Pincers are commonly used in carpentry, metalworking, and other trades.

Synonyms

forceps, pliers, tongs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pincers	Commonly used in carpentry, metalworking, and other trades to grip or pull out nails or small objects. The carpenter used pincers to remove the bent nails from the wood
pliers	Utilized in a variety of trades such as electrical work, jewelry making, and general repair tasks for gripping, bending, or cutting wire and other materials. She used pliers to twist the wires together while installing the new light fixture
tongs	Commonly used in cooking and food service for gripping and turning hot food, as well as in some industrial applications for handling hot objects. He used tongs to flip the steaks on the grill
forceps	Primarily used in medical and laboratory settings for grasping, holding, or extracting delicate objects. The surgeon carefully used forceps to remove the foreign object from the patient's wound

Examples of usage

Use the pincers to remove the nails from the wood.
The blacksmith used a pair of pincers to hold the hot metal.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

insect anatomy

Pincers are the two curved appendages near the mouth of certain insects, such as crabs and scorpions. They are used for grasping and manipulating food, defending against predators, and other functions.

Synonyms

chelae, claws, mandibles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pincers	Typically used to describe a tool with two pivoting arms, often used for gripping or pinching objects. He used the pincers to pull out the nail from the wood. The blacksmith grabbed the hot metal with his pincers.
claws	Generally used to describe the sharp, curved nails at the end of the limbs of animals such as cats, birds, and some insects. The cat extended its claws and scratched the furniture. Birds use their claws to grip branches tightly.
mandibles	Mainly used to describe the jaw or jaw-like structures of insects and other arthropods, utilized for biting and chewing. The ant used its mandibles to carry the leaf back to the nest. The beetle's mandibles are powerful enough to cut through wood.
chelae	Mostly used in a biological context to refer to the pincer-like claws of certain arthropods, such as crabs and lobsters. The crab's chelae are incredibly strong and can easily crack open a shell. Researchers studied the structure of the lobster's chelae to understand their gripping mechanism.

Examples of usage

The scorpion's pincers were poised to strike.
The crab used its pincers to crack open the shellfish.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Middle English 'pincers', which comes from the Old French 'pinces', meaning 'to pinch'.
Related words include 'pincer-like', used to describe animals or tools that resemble pincers.

Science

Pincers are common in biology, especially in crustaceans like lobsters and crabs, which use them for capturing prey.
In ecology, the pincers of certain species contribute to their success as predators and play a role in their survival.

Technology

In modern workshops, pincers are designed with ergonomic handles to improve grip and reduce fatigue during use.
Some robotic arms are equipped with pincers for precision tasks, mimicking human hand functions in industrial automation.

Cultural Significance

Pincers have appeared in various forms of art, representing power and control due to their grasping function.
In some cultures, pincers symbolize the idea of holding onto something tightly, whether it’s ideas or beliefs.

Pop Culture

In many movies, characters use pincers or similar tools for comical or dramatic effect, often to convey urgency.
Pincers are featured in cartoons, used by villain characters to illustrate danger when handling objects.

Translations

Translations of the word "pincers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pinças

🇮🇳 संपीड़ित्र

🇩🇪 Zange

🇮🇩 penjepit

🇺🇦 щипці

🇵🇱 szczypce

🇯🇵 ペンチ

🇫🇷 pinces

🇪🇸 pinzas

🇹🇷 kerpeten

🇰🇷 집게

🇸🇦 كماشة

🇨🇿 kleště

🇸🇰 kliešte

🇨🇳 钳子

🇸🇮 klešče

🇮🇸 klemma

🇰🇿 қысқыш

🇬🇪 საკრავი

🇦🇿 kəlbətin

🇲🇽 pinzas

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,418, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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27415 portmanteau
27416 peaty
27417 gorse
27418 pincers
27419 mushy
27420 purposeless
27421 augur
...