forceps

noun for·ceps \ ˈfȯr-səps , -ˌseps \

|Updated on: 23 Jun 2018

Definition of forceps

plural forceps

: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by jewelers or surgeons)

—

forcepslike

play \ˈfȯr-səps-ˌlīk, -ˌseps-\ adjective

See forceps defined for English-language learners

See forceps defined for kids

Recent Examples of forceps from the Web

Toyoda went to work in the late afternoon, gingerly using forceps and an electrocautery tool to separate Collins’ old heart from the sticky scar tissue that surrounded it.

— tom avril, Philly.com, "He had 2 heart transplants. At 43, as a new dad, he needed a third," 13 June 2018
If your doctor needs to perform vacuum extraction or use forceps during delivery, your likelihood of getting a third- or fourth-degree laceration increases, according to Dr. Greves.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "Here's What Chrissy Teigen Meant When She Said 'Life Is 90% Better When You Don't Rip to Your Butthole' During Childbirth," 22 May 2018
Surgeons at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, removed the creatures using snares and forceps endoscopically, without surgery.

— Fox News, "Surgeons pull 14 roundworms from woman's bile duct," 2 May 2018
And one to clamp the forceps and extract the sought-after tooth.

— cristela guerra, BostonGlobe.com, "The MFA, the FBI, and the 4,000-year-old mummy," 25 Apr. 2018
The researchers introduced the implant through a tiny incision in one eye's outer periphery using a minuscule set of forceps.

— melissa healy, latimes.com, "This retinal implant may one day cure blindness caused by macular degeneration," 5 Apr. 2018
That became the plan, and Comander reached in with forceps.

— eric boodman, STAT, "‘That’s $425,000 right there’ — the anxious launch of a gene therapy with a record sticker price," 21 Mar. 2018
That became the plan, and Comander reached in with forceps.

— eric boodman, BostonGlobe.com, "Gene therapy with record sticker price launched," 21 Mar. 2018
Dilation and evacuation involve dilating the cervix and then using suction or forceps to empty the uterus, and is typically used starting around 14 weeks.

— amina khan, latimes.com, "The National Academies take a hard look at the safety and quality of abortion care in the U.S.," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forceps.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of forceps

Origin and Etymology of forceps

Latin, tongs, perhaps from formus warm + capere to take — more at therm, heave

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1634

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

FORCEPS Defined for English Language Learners

forceps

noun

Definition of forceps for English Language Learners

: a medical tool that is used for grasping or holding things

FORCEPS Defined for Kids

forceps

noun for·ceps \ ˈfȯr-səps \

Definition of forceps for Students

plural forceps

: an instrument for grasping, holding, or pulling on things especially in delicate operations (as by a jeweler or surgeon)

Medical Dictionary

forceps

noun for·ceps \ ˈfȯr-səps , -ˌseps \

medical Definition of forceps

plural forceps

: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by surgeons, obstetricians, or dentists)