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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To drain a carbuncle, a healthcare provider will numb the site with local anesthesia and make an incision in the carbuncle to help remove the pus. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 The doctor slides a large catheter into an incision in your abdominal cavity. Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025 The 360 — as Perry explains — comes from the incision that goes entirely around his torso, like a belt. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 Causes and Treatment Medical Removal If medical removal is necessary, a healthcare provider must perform a surgical procedure known as an incision and drainage. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incision

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incision. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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
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