Definition

Noun: A small surgical instrument with fine, serrated tips resembling mouse teeth, used for grasping and holding delicate tissues or small objects during medical procedures.

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical and surgical contexts to refer to a precise tool. It describes the instrument's physical characteristics (fine, tooth-like tips) and its primary function.

Examples

• The surgeon used mouse-tooth forceps to gently hold the edge of the blood vessel.
• For this delicate procedure, please hand me the mouse-tooth forceps.
• Mouse-tooth forceps are essential for handling fragile tissue without causing significant damage.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often part of a more detailed surgical instrument specification, indicating the level of precision required for a task (e.g., "fine mouse-tooth forceps").
• It may be contrasted with other forceps types, such as smooth forceps or rat-tooth forceps, which have larger, more aggressive grasping surfaces.

Variants and Related Words

• Forceps (n.): The general category of handheld, hinged instruments used for grasping and holding objects.
• Tissue Forceps (n.): A broader term for forceps designed to handle biological tissue.
• Adson Forceps (n.): A specific, commonly used pattern of forceps that often has mouse-tooth tips.

Synonyms

• Delicate forceps
• Fine-toothed forceps
• Serrated forceps (though this is a broader category)

Related Phrases

• To grasp with mouse-tooth forceps: Describes the specific action of using this instrument.
  • The suture was grasped with mouse-tooth forceps to aid in placement.

Noun

1. a type of forceps