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

To break down a plastic bottle, science doesn’t need a hammer, but a microscopic scalpel. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Vernon works directly into wax with scalpels and other implements, allowing scratches, fingerprints, and cuts to survive their translation into metal. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Metzger marvels as the shark’s thick, rugged skin snaps a surgical-grade scalpel. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

No one else – certainly not her husband – can certify such things for her, no one else can submit to the scalpel that will cut into her to give her relief. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 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