I. ˈskalpəl, -kau̇p-, (ˈ)skal|pel noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin scalpellum, scalpellus, diminutive of scalprum, scalper chisel, knife, from scalpere to carve, cut — more at shelf
: a small straight knife with a thin keen blade used especially for dissecting ; also : a detachable blade of such a knife
II. transitive verb
( scalpeled also scalpelled ; scalpeled also scalpelled ; scalpeling also scalpelling ; scalpels )
: to cut with a scalpel : dissect