forceps

noun for·ceps \ ˈfȯr-səps , -ˌseps \

Updated on: 15 Apr 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)

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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

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
Insert the boat into the bottle stern first, using a bent metal coat hanger or a surgeon’s tool called polypus forceps.

— malia wollan, New York Times, "How to Build a Ship in a Bottle," 12 Jan. 2018
During the feeding trials, the scientists picked up a plastic or sand particle with forceps and dropped it near a coral polyp.

— ben guarino, Washington Post, "Corals eat plastic because we’ve made it tasty, study suggests," 30 Oct. 2017
During the feeding trials, the scientists picked up a plastic or sand particle with forceps and dropped it near a coral polyp.

— ben guarino, Washington Post, "Corals eat plastic because we’ve made it tasty, study suggests," 30 Oct. 2017
During the feeding trials, the scientists picked up a plastic or sand particle with forceps and dropped it near a coral polyp.

— ben guarino, Washington Post, "Corals eat plastic because we’ve made it tasty, study suggests," 30 Oct. 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1634

in the meaning defined above

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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)