Forceps

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Forceps

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun (plural, treated as plural or singular)

Pronunciation

FOR-seps  /ˈfɔːsɛps/

Definition

A pair of pincer-like instruments used for gripping, holding, or extracting objects, especially in surgery, laboratory work, or childbirth.

Plain meaning

Forceps are the gripping instruments used in medicine and science — the tong-like tool that a surgeon or midwife uses to hold, manipulate, or extract.

Register

Technical and medical. Standard in medical, surgical, obstetric, and laboratory contexts. Familiar to a general audience primarily in the obstetric sense.