incision

/ɪnˈsɪʒən/

/ɪnˈsɪʒən/

Other forms: incisions

An incision is a surgical cut. A doctor uses a scalpel to make an incision in a patient's skin.

An incision usually refers to a cut that's made during surgery, like an abdominal incision made by a surgeon during a gall bladder operation. A decorative or artistic cut can also be called an incision, such as a cut in carved wood or marble. Incision can also describe the power of sharp observation, like the incision of your friend who can always tell when you're upset, even when you try to hide it.

Definitions of incision

1. noun

   the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation)
   synonyms: section, surgical incision

   types:

   gastromy

   surgical incision into the stomach

   perineotomy

   surgical incision into the perineum

   laparotomy

   surgical incision into the abdominal wall; often done to examine abdominal organs

   orchotomy

   surgical incision into the testis to obtain material for analysis (as in cases of abnormally low sperm count)

   sclerotomy

   surgical incision of the sclerotic coat of the eye

   nephrotomy

   incision into a kidney (usually to remove a kidney stone)

   thoracotomy

   surgical incision into the chest walls opening up the pleural cavity

   valvotomy, valvulotomy

   incision into a stenosed cardiac valve to relieve the obstruction

   phlebotomy, venesection

   surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis

   vasosection, vasotomy

   surgical incision into or division of the vas deferens

   episiotomy

   surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth

   laparoscopy

   laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)

   type of:

   cut, cutting

   the act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge
2. noun

   a depression scratched or carved into a surface
   synonyms: dent, prick, scratch, slit

   types:

   score, scotch

   a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

   type of:

   depression, impression, imprint

   a concavity in a surface produced by pressing