Suture: meaning, definitions and examples

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suture

 

[ ˈsuːtʃər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical

A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.

Synonyms

closure, seam, stitch.

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Word Description / Examples
suture

Primarily used in medical contexts to describe the stitches used to close a wound or surgical incision.

  • The surgeon used a fine suture to close the surgical wound.
  • After the operation, the nurse carefully removed the sutures once the wound had healed.
stitch

Can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts. Refers to the individual loop of thread used in sewing or suturing. In non-medical contexts, it can also refer to pain or discomfort often felt in the side during exercise.

  • He put a stitch in his pants to repair the tear.
  • The doctor used a few stitches to close the small cut.
  • After running for several miles, she felt a sharp stitch in her side.
seam

Used in tailoring and manufacturing to refer to the line where two pieces of fabric are stitched together.

  • The seam of his shirt began to unravel after several washes.
  • She carefully sewed the seam to ensure there were no gaps.
closure

Can refer to the act of closing something or the state of being closed. Often used in a broader context, not limited to medical scenarios.

  • The closure of the road caused major traffic delays.
  • She sought closure after the end of her long-term relationship.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon used a suture to close the incision after the operation.
  • The suture should be removed in 7-10 days to allow proper healing.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

The line of junction or an immovable joint between two bones, especially of the skull.

Synonyms

articulation, joint.

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Word Description / Examples
suture

Best used in medical and anatomical contexts to refer to the surgical stitching or joining of tissue, typically skin. It can also refer to the seams in the skull where the bones join.

  • She needed several sutures to close the cut on her arm.
  • The surgeon carefully sutured the wound to ensure minimal scarring.
joint

Typically used to describe a point where two bones meet and allow movement in the body. It can also refer to a connection between two pieces of material or, in informal contexts, a place, especially a bar or restaurant. In slang, it can mean a marijuana cigarette (negative connotation).

  • He has pain in his knee joint.
  • The carpenter made a strong joint to connect the two pieces of wood.
  • We decided to grab a meal at the local joint down the street.
  • He was caught with a joint and might face legal trouble.
articulation

Commonly used to refer to the clarity and precision in speaking or the way in which separate things are joined to create a coordinated movement. Also used to describe joints in the body that allow movement.

  • Her clear articulation made the speech very compelling.
  • The articulation of the machinery parts was essential for its smooth operation.
  • Studying the articulation of the knee joints helps understand human locomotion.

Examples of usage

  • The suture between the frontal and parietal bones is known as the coronal suture.
  • The infant's skull has not fully formed and the sutures are still flexible.
Context #3 | Verb

medical

To stitch up a wound or incision with a suture.

Synonyms

close up, stitch up.

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Word Description / Examples
suture

This appears to be a repeated word due to an error. See first entry for the correct context and examples.

stitch up

Informal term, mostly used in everyday conversations or less formal settings to describe the act of sewing a wound together. Can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation when referring to being tricked or deceived.

  • The paramedic quickly stitched up his cut to stop the bleeding.
  • She felt like her coworkers stitched her up by blaming her for the mistake.
close up

More general term, used in both medical and non-medical contexts. Can refer to closing or sealing something. In a medical context, might be used informally.

  • The doctor had to close up the incision after the operation.
  • He closed up the box tightly before sending it.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor will suture the wound to stop the bleeding.
  • After cleaning the wound, the nurse will suture it to prevent infection.

Translations

Translations of the word "suture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sutura

🇮🇳 टांका

🇩🇪 Naht

🇮🇩 jahitan

🇺🇦 шов

🇵🇱 szew

🇯🇵 縫合 (ほうごう)

🇫🇷 suture

🇪🇸 sutura

🇹🇷 dikiş

🇰🇷 봉합 (bonghap)

🇸🇦 غُرْزَة

🇨🇿 šicí steh

🇸🇰 šitie

🇨🇳 缝合 (fénghé)

🇸🇮 šiv

🇮🇸 saumur

🇰🇿 тіг

🇬🇪 სილქვა (silkva)

🇦🇿 dikiş

🇲🇽 sutura

Etymology

The word 'suture' originated from the Latin word 'sutura', meaning a seam or sewing together. It has been used in medical contexts to refer to both the stitching of wounds and the immovable joints between bones. The term has been widely used in anatomy and surgery for centuries, evolving to its current usage in modern medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,722 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.