forceps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “forceps” mean?
A handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping, holding, or extracting objects, particularly in medical procedures and in some crafts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping, holding, or extracting objects, particularly in medical procedures and in some crafts.
While primarily a medical/surgical tool, it can refer to any pincer-like instrument used for handling small or delicate items, e.g., in dentistry, biology, or watchmaking. It is also used in the plural form as a singular noun (a pair of forceps).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standard in medical and technical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with surgery, childbirth (obstetric forceps), and clinical precision in both regions.
Frequency
Equally common and specialised in both UK and US English within relevant fields; rare in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “forceps” in a Sentence
The surgeon used forceps to [VERB] the [NOUN].A pair of forceps was/were [VERB-ed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forceps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The midwife may need to forceps the baby's head if labour stalls. (rare, medical jargon)
- He carefully forcepsed the tiny component into place. (very rare, technical slang)
American English
- In difficult deliveries, the OB may choose to forceps the infant. (rare, medical jargon)
- The jeweller forcepsed the diamond onto its setting. (very rare, technical slang)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The forceps delivery was performed successfully.
- He handed her the forceps clamp.
American English
- The forceps delivery was performed successfully.
- She reached for the forceps instrument tray.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except perhaps in medical supply company literature.
Academic
Common in medical, dental, and biological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare; if used, likely in a personal medical story ("They had to use forceps during the birth").
Technical
The primary context. Specific in surgery, dentistry, electronics (precision forceps), and entomology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forceps”
- Using a singular verb is common and often accepted, but strict grammar considers it plural: "The forceps are ready" (traditional) vs. "The forceps is ready" (common in medical slang).
- Referring to a single instrument as "a forcep" (incorrect; the singular form is obsolete). It is always "forceps" or "a pair of forceps."
- Confusing it with tweezers or pliers in non-technical description.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural in form but can be used with either a singular or plural verb in modern English, especially in medical contexts. Traditionally, it was treated as plural ("The forceps are"), but using it as a singular collective noun ("The forceps is") is now common.
Forceps are generally larger, sturdier, and often hinged like scissors, used for holding tissue or clamping. Tweezers are smaller, usually non-hinged or with a simple spring, used for plucking or handling very small objects like splinters or electronic components.
Rarely. In highly specialized medical or technical jargon, it can be used informally as a verb meaning 'to use forceps on' (e.g., 'to forceps a tooth'). This is not standard in general English.
Yes, many specialised types exist: dressing forceps (for handling gauze), haemostatic forceps (for clamping blood vessels), obstetric forceps (for assisting childbirth), and dissection forceps (for biology), each with distinct designs for their function.
A handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping, holding, or extracting objects, particularly in medical procedures and in some crafts.
Forceps is usually formal, technical in register.
Forceps: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.seps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.seps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Forceps delivery (a specific obstetric procedure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FORCEful pair of PS (pincers) that a surgeon uses. FORCE + PS (like 'postscript' but for tools).
Conceptual Metaphor
MECHANICAL FINGERS / AN EXTENSION OF PRECISION (It extends the surgeon's hand with enhanced grip and precision.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of 'forceps'?