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scalpel

scalpel

noun skal-PEL Rare
Body & Health Medicine

Usage Note

Scalpel is the standard surgical term for the small, sharp knife used in operations. The word is the same in English. Figuratively, passer au scalpel means 'to dissect' an argument or text with precision. The final l is pronounced.

Examples

"Le chirurgien tenait le scalpel avec soin."

Natural Translation

The surgeon held the scalpel carefully.

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