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

In May, Tennessee officials stabbed Tony Carruthers with needles and a scalpel for more than an hour while blood streamed down his chest. — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

To break down a plastic bottle, science doesn’t need a hammer, but a microscopic scalpel. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Vernon works directly into wax with scalpels and other implements, allowing scratches, fingerprints, and cuts to survive their translation into metal. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Metzger marvels as the shark’s thick, rugged skin snaps a surgical-grade scalpel. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 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