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forcepslike

 - 4 dictionary results

for⋅ceps

  [fawr-suhps, -seps]
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–noun, plural -ceps, -ci⋅pes  [-suh-peez] .
1. an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, esp. a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.
Origin:
1625–35; < L: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contr. of *formiceps, equiv. to form(us) warm + -i- -i- + -ceps -taker, deriv. of capere to take (cf. prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; cf., however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etym.

Related forms:
for⋅ceps⋅like, adjective
for⋅cip⋅i⋅al  [fawr-sip-ee-uhl] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

forceps 
1563, from L. forceps, compound of formus "hot" + root of capere "to hold, take" (see capable). Originally a smith's implement.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: for·ceps
Pronunciation: 'for-s&ps, -"seps
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural forceps
: an instrument forgrasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by surgeons, obstetricians, or dentists)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

forceps for·ceps (fôr'səps, -sěps)
n. pl. forceps

  1. An instrument resembling a pair of pincers, used for grasping, manipulating, or extracting, especially in surgery.

  2. Either of two bands of white fibers composing the radiation of the corpus callosum to the cerebrum.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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