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

When tax revenues grow slower than expenses, public-sector health plans are forced to turn the scalpel toward their own workforce. — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

Research shows the laser does not provide better outcomes than the scalpel for a standard cataract procedure. — Phil Galewitz, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

This hairstyle is a real trick for naturally smoothing out the skin, without the need for injections or a scalpel. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 July 2026

The same scalpel or bone saw that cut a human also cleft sheep, horses, pigs and other animals in distress. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

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