View synonyms for forceps

forceps

[ fawr-suhps, -seps ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural for·ceps, for·ci·pes [fawr, -s, uh, -peez].

an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.
Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.

forceps

/ ˈfɔːsɪps /

noun

1. a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies
2. ( as modifier )
  a forceps baby
any pincer-like instrument
any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps

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Derived Forms

ˈforceps-ˌlike, adjective

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Other Words From

forceps·like adjective
for·cip·i·al [fawr-, sip, -ee-, uh, l], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

1625–35; < Latin: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contraction of *formiceps, equivalent to form ( us ) warm + -i- -i- + -ceps -taker, derivative of capere to take ( prince ), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology

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Word History and Origins

Origin of forceps¹

C17: from Latin, from formus hot + capere to seize

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