curette

1 of 2

noun

cu·​rette kyu̇-ˈret How to pronounce curette (audio)
variants or less commonly curet
: a surgical instrument that has a scoop, ring, or loop at the tip and is used in performing curettage

curette

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly curet
curetted; curetting

transitive verb

: to perform curettage on
curettement noun

Examples of curette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The doctor picked up the curette and inserted it. Mattie Kahn, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2022 Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure where the cervix is dilated and an instrument called a curette is used to suction or scrape the uterine lining, removing the baby from inside the uterus. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2023 Then, your doctor will use a scalpel to pierce the stye and remove the contents of the bump with a curette. Korin Miller, SELF, 15 Jan. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curette.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French curette, from curer to cure, from Latin curare, from cura

First Known Use

Noun

1753, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curette was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near curette

Cite this Entry

“Curette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curette. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

curette

1 of 2 noun
cu·​rette
variants also curet
: a surgical instrument that has a scoop, loop, or ring at its tip and is used in performing curettage

curette

2 of 2 transitive verb
variants also curet
curetted; curetting
: to perform curettage on
curettement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on curette

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