scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

also

skal-ˈpel 

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The arms of the robot can hold a camera, scalpel, clamps, graspers and other essential tools. —Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025

Lee gladly accepted Rozz’s challenge and drew a near-replica of Eddie wielding a bloody scalpel, just like the cover of Killers. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025

Friends, and scalpels, were enlisted to cut out maple, oak, and other specimens from sponges. —Elizabeth Kiefer, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025

Existing technologies to isolate cells often do so by sawing small pieces off of a larger tissue chunk with a scalpel or razor, potentially damaging the cells so they can no longer be studied properly. —Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scalpel

• palpal

Kids Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl 

also skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun

scal·​pel

ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel

: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery