Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

lancet

noun lan·cet \ ˈlan(t)-sət \
|Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of lancet

1 : a sharp-pointed and commonly 2-edged surgical instrument used to make small incisions
2 a : lancet window
b : lancet arch

See lancet defined for English-language learners

See lancet defined for kids

Recent Examples of lancet from the Web

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

First Known Use of lancet

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

LANCET Defined for English Language Learners

lancet

noun

Definition of lancet for English Language Learners

  • medical : a sharp tool used for cutting the skin

Medical Dictionary

lancet

noun lan·cet \ ˈlan(t)-sət \

medical Definition of lancet

: a sharp-pointed and commonly two-edged surgical instrument used to make small incisions (as in a vein or a boil) — called also lance

Learn More about lancet

  1. Nglish: Translation of lancet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lancet for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up lancet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

skirl

play

to emit the high shrill tone of bagpipes

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

lancet

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games