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

a surgeon's skillful incision

3

: the quality or state of being incisive

Synonyms of incision

• slit
• tear

Examples of incision in a Sentence

the surgeon made a thin incision with the scalpel

Recent Examples on the Web

This may support recovery in some cases because of the smaller incisions. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Unlike procedures on the body where tissue is more forgiving, incisions are more accessible, and the architecture is less intricate, the nose is a complex, multilayered structure of skin, cartilage, and bone packed into a very small space. — Victoria Oliva, Allure, 23 June 2026

With the Preservé by Motiva procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision under the breast and creates a channel in the breast tissue using a special tool. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Add rooting hormone around the incision. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for incision

• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision
• envision
• excision
• misprision
• precision
• prevision
• provision

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