lancet

noun

lan·​cet ˈlan(t)-sət How to pronounce lancet (audio)
1
: a sharp-pointed and commonly 2-edged surgical instrument used to make small incisions
2

Examples of lancet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For this latest experiment, Fredensborg chose to focus on four anthills in the Bidstrup Forests near Copenhagen, where both ants and lancet liver flukes are common. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2023 Open the lancet and press it into the tip of your finger along the side (pricking the pad can hurt more). Gary Gilles, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2023 It’s intended to include everything needed to test at home, although our kit only came with lancets, instructions, two paper collection pads, the lab form, and two biohazard bags. Lindsay Modglin, Health, 1 Sep. 2023 Glucose Testing On-the-Go When traveling, be sure to pack extra test strips, lancets, and other supplies like insulin, needles, and batteries. Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023 For people with diabetes, Part B covers glucose meters, test strips, lancets and insulin when patients use insulin pumps. Byrichard Eisenberg, Fortune Well, 20 July 2023 Also, the lancets need to be the right design for your lancing device. Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023 An Italian woodcut dating from 1671 that depicts the tools of the bloodletting trade, including a thumb lancet, fleam, collection cups, and, most prominently, leeches. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2016 So, think glucose monitoring systems, lancets, alcohol swabs or prep pads, all of that can really add up. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lancet.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lancet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lancet

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

lancet

noun
lan·​cet ˈlan(t)-sət How to pronounce lancet (audio)
: a sharp-pointed and usually two-edged surgical instrument

Medical Definition

lancet

noun
lan·​cet ˈlan(t)-sət How to pronounce lancet (audio)
: a sharp-pointed and commonly two-edged surgical instrument used to make small incisions (as in a vein or a boil)

called also lance

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