incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsi-zhən 

1

a

: cut, gash

specifically : a wound made especially in surgery by incising the body

b

: a marginal notch (as in a leaf)

2

: an act of incising something

3

: the quality or state of being incisive

Synonyms

• gash
• laceration
• rent
• rip
• slash
• slit
• tear

Examples of incision in a Sentence

the surgeon made a thin incision with the scalpel

Recent Examples on the Web

Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed as an open surgery (involving a scalpel and a larger incision of about 2 inches) or minimally invasive endoscopic surgery (involving a narrow scope and operating equipment with a single smaller incision of about half an inch). —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

Nearly one-third of U.S. births occur via C-section, the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. —Phil Galewitz, Fortune Well, 30 May 2024

But what took them aback was signs of incisions around some of the wounds. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2024

In the past, researchers have also uncovered the cranium of a Neanderthal female, featuring 35 similar incisions. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or gash made in something

especially : a cut made into the body during surgery

removed the diseased appendix through a small incision

2

: an act of cutting into something

watched the surgeon's skillful incision

Medical Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or wound of body tissue made especially in surgery

2

: an act of incising something

the surgeon's incision of the tissues