curette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “curette” mean?
A small surgical instrument with a scoop or loop at the end, used to scrape tissue from a body cavity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small surgical instrument with a scoop or loop at the end, used to scrape tissue from a body cavity.
The term can also refer to the act of using such an instrument (curettage) and, by metaphoric extension, to any careful, scraping removal or cleaning process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The verb form 'to curette' is used in both, though 'to perform a curettage' is also common.
Connotations
Identical technical/clinical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both British and American English, confined almost exclusively to medical/dental/scientific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “curette” in a Sentence
The surgeon [verb: used, inserted, selected] a curette [prep: to, for] [noun phrase: remove tissue, perform a D&C].The [noun: tissue, debris] was [verb: curetted, removed] [prep: with] a curette.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “curette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gynaecologist will curette the uterine lining to obtain a sample.
- After the extraction, the dentist curetted the socket to remove any debris.
American English
- The surgeon curetted the lesion before sending it to pathology.
- The vet needed to curette the infected tissue from the animal's wound.
adjective
British English
- The curette tip must be kept sharp for effective debridement.
- A curette procedure is often necessary for diagnosis.
American English
- The curette blade was inspected under magnification.
- Curette design varies by surgical specialty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, dental, and biological research papers and textbooks to describe specific procedures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by a patient describing a specific medical procedure they underwent.
Technical
The primary context. Used in surgical manuals, procedure notes, dental hygiene, and veterinary medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “curette”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “curette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “curette”
- Misspelling as 'currette' or 'curet'.
- Using it as a general term for any surgical instrument.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (e.g., /ˈkjʊərɛt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in medical, dental, and biological contexts.
'Curette' is the noun for the instrument itself. 'Curettage' (pronounced /ˌkjʊərɪˈtɑːʒ/ or /ˌkjʊrɪˈtɑːʒ/) is the noun for the procedure of using a curette.
Yes, though it is technical. 'To curette' means to scrape with a curette (e.g., 'The surgeon curetted the bone').
In British English: /kjʊəˈrɛt/ (kyoo-RET). In American English: /kjʊˈrɛt/ (kyoo-RET). The stress is on the final syllable.
A small surgical instrument with a scoop or loop at the end, used to scrape tissue from a body cavity.
Curette is usually technical/medical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CURE' + 'ETTE' (a small version). A small tool used in the 'cure' or treatment (by removal) of a condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISE REMOVAL IS SCRAPING / CLEANING IS SCRAPING.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the word 'curette'?