: a slender sharp-pointed hook attached to a handle and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts (such as arteries)
2
: an adhesive animal structure
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebBut another study of 1,353 people, cited in that same ACOG paper, found that local anesthesia did help reduce pain when the clinician was using the tenaculum and inserting the IUD.—Jessica Toscano, SELF, 26 Apr. 2022
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tenaculum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Medieval Latin tenāculum (usually in plural tenācula) "forceps, pincers," going back to Latin, "instrument for gripping," from tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" + -āculum, probably after retināculum "rope, cable" — more at tenant entry 1, retinaculum
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