What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lancet
Example
The doctor used a lancet to make a small incision in the patient's skin. [lancet: noun]
Example
The nurse pricked my finger with a lancet to get a blood sample. [lancet: noun]
scalpel
Example
The surgeon used a scalpel to make a precise incision in the patient's skin. [scalpel: noun]
Example
The researcher used a scalpel to dissect the specimen for analysis. [scalpel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scalpel is more commonly used than lancet in medical practice and research. Scalpels are versatile and can be used in a wide range of procedures, while lancets are more specialized and used for specific purposes such as blood glucose testing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lancet and scalpel?
Scalpel is more formal than lancet due to its association with complex surgical procedures and dissections. Lancet is more commonly used in everyday language and has a less formal connotation.
