lancinating

adjective

lan·​ci·​nat·​ing ˈlan(t)-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce lancinating (audio)
: characterized by piercing or stabbing sensations
lancinating pain

Word History

Etymology

lancinate to pierce, from Latin lancinatus, past participle of lancinare; akin to Latin lacerare to rend — more at lacerate

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lancinating was in 1762

Dictionary Entries Near lancinating

Cite this Entry

“Lancinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lancinating. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

lancinating

adjective
lan·​ci·​nat·​ing ˈlan(t)-sə-ˌnāt-iŋ How to pronounce lancinating (audio)
: characterized by piercing or stabbing sensations
The patient's lancinating pain is clearly indicative of nerve irritation …Milton Alter, The Journal of the American Medical Association
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