incision

noun

in·​ci·​sion in-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce incision (audio)
Synonyms of incisionnext
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
a surgeon's skillful incision
3
: the quality or state of being incisive

Synonyms of incision

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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.
The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear and drilling into the mastoid bone to reach the inner ear. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 While visiting her dermatologist for Botox, Philipps said the doctor noticed that her surgical incision did not look right and urged her to contact her surgeons. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 When going to get Botox from her dermatologist, it was discovered that Philipps had a staphylococcus infection in her incision. — Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 Instead of using incisions or drilling into the skull, CoMind (coincidentally like Olix) uses infrared lasers and light signals to measure brain activity. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incision

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of incision was in the 15th century

Rhymes for incision

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Browse Nearby Words

incised meander
incision
incisive
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Cite this Entry

“Incision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incision. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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