lancet

[lan-sit, lahn-]

noun

1. a small surgical instrument, usually sharp-pointed and two-edged, for making small incisions, opening abscesses, etc.

2. Architecture.

   1. a lancet arch.

   2. a lancet window.

lancet

/ ˈlɑːnsɪt /

noun

1. Also called: lance. a pointed surgical knife with two sharp edges

2. short for lancet arch lancet window

Word History and Origins

Origin of lancet¹

1375–1425; late Middle English lancette < Middle French. See lance ¹, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of lancet¹

C15 lancette, from Old French: small _lance

Example Sentences

A disposable lancet must pierce the skin, before drops of blood can be sucked into a pipette, mixed with a chemical and placed in the test cassette.

From BBC

I was left alone, a tiny lancet sitting before me.

From Los Angeles Times

His lancet windows feature entire segments, such as the protesters’ placards, crafted in different shades of white, allowing sunshine to come pouring through.

From Los Angeles Times

That's the reality for ants infected with the lancet liver fluke, a tiny parasitic flatworm.

From Science Daily

In response to KHN questions, the FDA said it considers home collection kits, which can include swabs, lancets, transport tubes and chemicals to stabilize the samples, to be devices that require agency review.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• cutter 
• dagger 
• machete 
• scalpel 
• sickle 
• skewer 
• sword