incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce incision (audio)
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

Examples of incision in a Sentence

the surgeon made a thin incision with the scalpel
Recent Examples on the Web The bacteria could also get in the incision after the surgery, such as from a bandage or your environment. Nicole Harris, Parents, 14 Jan. 2024 In some of these animals, the researchers stymied singing by making an incision that stopped brain signals from reaching the syrinx (a bird’s vocal organ, similar to the human larynx). Olivia Ferrari, Scientific American, 12 Dec. 2023 Meanwhile, a third optical laser measures incisions in real-time to ensure the exact depth of cuts. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Dec. 2023 This was followed by a single vertical incision from the sternum toward the pelvis. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2024 The traditional prostatectomy is an open-approach incision below the belly button, George explained. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024 This is most frequently due to safety concerns, including the potential for lasers to injure surrounding tissues beyond the targeted area, as well as a surgeon’s lack of full control over incision depth. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Dec. 2023 An incision is then made on the chest near the shoulder (usually the left) to place the pacemaker. Jennifer Whitlock, Rn, Msn, Fn, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2023 The lasers’ smaller, extremely localized incisions could allow tissue to heal faster and reduce scarring in the long run. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of incision was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near incision

Cite this Entry

“Incision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incision. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incision

noun
in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce incision (audio)
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 How to pronounce incision (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!