scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

also

skal-ˈpel 

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Truly dug into me like a scalpel. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Kikta’s scalpel cuts into the man’s chest down to his ribs. — Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026

The same scalpel or bone saw that cut a human also cleft sheep, horses, pigs and other animals in distress. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

But Creasy, fueled by his promises to Poe and his new friendships, digs deep and grabs a scalpel lying on the floor. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scalpel

• palpal

Kids Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

also skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel

ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery