Incision Meaning
/ɪnˈsɪʒən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA cut, especially one made by a scalpel or similar medical tool in the context of surgical operation; the scar resulting from such a cut.
nounThe act of cutting into a substance.
Sentence Examples
Ziri had a small incision in the back of his neck.
The surgeon made a small incision just below the umbilicus.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The surgeon made a clean ____ in the patient's abdomen to remove the tumor.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The doctor closed the small surgical ____ with several stitches to promote quick healing.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English inscicioun, from Middle French incision, from Late Latin incisiō from the verb incidō (“to cut into”) + action noun suffix -iō.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Wrath-kindled gentlemen, be ruled by me;
Let’s purge this choler without letting blood:
This we prescribe, though no physician;
Deep malice makes too deep incision;"
— 1595 December 9 (first known performance), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene 1]:
"Gunch was so humorous that Mrs. Babbitt said he must “stop making her laugh because honestly it was hurting her incision.”"
— 1922, Sinclair Lewis, chapter XXXIII, in Babbitt, New York, N.Y.: Harcourt, Brace and Company, →OCLC:
"In the midst of the men a black upright stove sends out its heat. On the glowing holes at the top Ya‘qub Artin has carefully placed some chestnuts, each with a neat incision in its side."
— 1999, Ahdaf Soueif, chapter 28, in The Map of Love, London: Bloomsbury, published 2000, page 470:
"The parte of Euacuation by lettyng of blud, is incision or cuttyng of the vayne, wherby the bloud, whiche is cause of syckenes or grefe to the hole body, or any particular part therof, doth most aptly passe."
— 1539, Thomas Elyot, editor, The Castel of Helthe, London, Book 3, Chapter 6:
"Never considering […] that these miseries of the people are still his own handy work, having smitt’n them like a forked Arrow so sore into the Kingdoms side, as not to be drawn out and cur’d without the incision of more flesh."
— 1649, John Milton, Eikonoklastes, London, pages 94–95:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The surgeon made a clean ____ in the patient's abdomen to remove the tumor.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The doctor closed the small surgical ____ with several stitches to promote quick healing.