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

Many observers sensed light and shadow playing among his incisions in the stone. —Emily Langer, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

The surgeon will make incisions on either side of the scrotum. —Claire Gillespie, Health, 19 June 2024

Your ophthalmologist will rotate the eye and make an incision into the conjunctiva. —Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024

These procedures are performed with incisions smaller than a postage stamp. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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