incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsi-zhən 

1

a

: cut, gash

specifically : a wound made especially in surgery by incising the body

b

: a marginal notch (as in a leaf)

2

: an act of incising something

3

: the quality or state of being incisive

Synonyms

• gash
• laceration
• rent
• rip
• slash
• slit
• tear

Examples of incision in a Sentence

the surgeon made a thin incision with the scalpel

Recent Examples on the Web

In this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon makes an incision, realigns the bones, and secures them with screws, plates, or rods. —Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 6 Dec. 2024

In this outpatient surgical procedure, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the skin and carefully removes spider or small varicose veins. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

To clean gizzards, use a paring knife to make an incision down the middle to expose a yellow-hued sack. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024

Making tiny incisions in the scalp, the FUE method can produce natural results with quick recovery times and no noticeable scars. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or gash made in something

especially : a cut made into the body during surgery

removed the diseased appendix through a small incision

2

: an act of cutting into something

watched the surgeon's skillful incision

Medical Definition

incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: a cut or wound of body tissue made especially in surgery

2

: an act of incising something

the surgeon's incision of the tissues