forceps

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noun for·ceps \ˈfȯr-səps, -ˌseps\

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

Women delivering boys were also more likely to run into complications during delivery, requiring C-sections 6 percent of the time (compared to 4 percent for girls) and forceps in 8 percent of cases (as opposed to 6 percent).

— cari romm, CNN, "Science backs up these pregnancy superstitions," 28 June 2017
The amendment on dilation and evacuation bars physicians from using forceps or similar instruments on a live fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces.

— the associated press, New York Times, "Texas House Approves New Limits on Abortion," 20 May 2017
The dilation and evacuation amendment bars physicians from using forceps or similar instruments on a live fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces.

— will weissert, The Denver Post, "Texas advances new abortion limits despite court defeats," 19 May 2017
Before the scalpels, the forceps, and the surgical needles, Tom Jones knew steel.

— alana semuels, The Atlantic, "The Men Who Take 'Women's' Jobs," 15 May 2017
To be sure, the average traveler likely won’t want to get stuck at security checkpoints with forceps or trauma scissors in their bag.

— National Geographic, "Not All First Aid Kits Are Created Equal," 8 Mar. 2017
These thick, hardy earwigs, called Arixenia esau, were so strongly attached to the rock that the scientists had to pry them off with forceps.

— photograph courtesy michael hastriter, National Geographic, "Fleas Hitch Ride on Earwigs to Suck Bat Blood," 5 Mar. 2017
After a 45-minute process, using suction and forceps, doctors were able to extract the bug, still alive.

— the washington post, The Denver Post, "She felt a “crawling sensation.” Doctors found a live cockroach in her skull.," 13 Feb. 2017
There was no difference in the mode of delivery between the two groups — unassisted, forceps or cesarean — and no differences in any measure of the baby’s or mother’s health.

— nicholas bakalar, New York Times, "A Simple Way to Speed Delivery," 7 Feb. 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

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FORCEPS Defined for English Language Learners

forceps

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noun

Definition of forceps for English Language Learners

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

FORCEPS Defined for Kids

forceps

play

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

play play

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)