Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, pointed weapon: A spear-like weapon with a sharp metal head on a long shaft, historically used by cavalry or foot soldiers.
   • A surgical instrument: A small, sharp-pointed, double-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions or punctures.
   • A fishing tool: An implement with a long shaft and a barbed point, used for spearing fish.

2. Verb:

   • To pierce or cut open with a sharp instrument: To make an incision or opening, especially with a surgical lance.
   • To pierce with a lance: To strike or stab with a lance, as in historical combat.
   • To move swiftly and directly: To move forward rapidly and with force, as if cutting through something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The medieval knight lowered his lance and charged.
  • The surgeon used a sterile lance to drain the abscess.
• Verb:
  • The doctor will lance the boil to relieve the pressure.
  • The cavalry lanced through the enemy lines.
  • Sunlight lanced through the dark clouds.

Advanced Usage

• "To lance a question": To pose a question directly and sharply.
  • The journalist lanced a difficult question at the politician.
• "To lance the corporate boil": A metaphorical use meaning to decisively address a festering problem within an organization.
  • The new CEO was hired to lance the corporate boil of inefficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Lancer (n): A soldier, especially a cavalry soldier, armed with a lance.
• Lancet (n): A small, broad, two-edged surgical knife with a sharp point; a more specific term for a medical lance.
• Lance corporal (n): A military rank. (Note: This is a compound term where 'lance' is used in a specific, historical titular sense).

Synonyms

• Noun (weapon): Spear, pike, javelin.
• Verb (pierce): Puncture, stab, prick, incise.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(The word 'lance' itself does not commonly form standard phrasal verbs. Its verbal uses are typically transitive and direct.) - Lance into: To enter or attack something swiftly and directly (a less common construction). - The fighter jets lanced into the contested airspace.

Related Idioms

• "To break a lance with someone": To engage in a dispute or argument with someone; to champion a cause against an opponent.
  • He was always ready to break a lance with anyone who challenged his theories.

Noun

1. a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
2. an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
3. a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon

Verb

1. open by piercing with a lancet
   • lance a boil
2. pierce with a lance, as in a knights' fight
3. move quickly, as if by cutting one's way
   • Planes lanced towards the shore