Forceps

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Forceps \For"ceps\, n. [L. forceps, -cipis, from the root of
     formus Hot + capere to take; akin to E. heave. Cf.
     {Furnace}.]
     1. A pair of pinchers, or tongs; an instrument for grasping,
        holding firmly, or exerting traction upon, bodies which it
        would be inconvenient or impracticable to seize with the


        fingers, especially one for delicate operations, as those
        of watchmakers, surgeons, accoucheurs, dentists, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) The caudal forceps-shaped appendage of earwigs and
        some other insects. See {Earwig}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Dressing forceps}. See under {Dressing}.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  forceps
       n : an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical
           treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)