Basic Details
Word: Scalpel
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small and extremely sharp knife used in surgeries and medical procedures.
Synonyms: Surgical knife, lancet, blade
Antonyms: Blunt instrument, unsharpened tool
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the scalpel: Undergoing surgery. Example: "The patient was taken under the scalpel for an emergency appendectomy."
- As sharp as a scalpel: Very intelligent or mentally quick. Example: "She's as sharp as a scalpel when it comes to diagnosis."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The surgeon carefully used the scalpel to make the first incision.
Example 2: Medical students are trained extensively before they handle a scalpel.
Example 3: Precision is crucial when operating with a scalpel in delicate procedures.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "scalpel" comes from the Latin word *scalpellus*, meaning a small knife? The design of scalpels has evolved over centuries to improve precision and safety in surgery.
Famous Quote
"The pen is mightier than the sword - and the scalpel can be mightier still." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "scalpel" mean?
a) A measuring tool
b) A type of syringe
c) A small, sharp surgical knife
d) A bandage used in hospitals
Answer: c) A small, sharp surgical knife
2. Which of these is a synonym of "scalpel"?
a) Hammer
b) Lancet
c) Stethoscope
d) Clamp
Answer: b) Lancet
3. Which is an antonym of "scalpel"?
a) Blade
b) Sharp object
c) Blunt instrument
d) Knife
Answer: c) Blunt instrument
4. Which sentence uses "scalpel" correctly?
a) He repaired the tire using a scalpel.
b) The scalpel was used to cut through paper.
c) The doctor used a scalpel to perform the surgery.
d) She stirred the soup with a scalpel.
Answer: c) The doctor used a scalpel to perform the surgery.
5. What does the idiom "under the scalpel" mean?
a) Holding a scalpel
b) Avoiding surgery
c) Being operated on
d) Using a sharp object in class
Answer: c) Being operated on
