Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or used in surgery: Pertaining to the branch of medicine that involves operative procedures on the body, especially cutting into tissue to treat disease or injury.
   • Performed with great precision: Characterized by or involving extreme accuracy, careful planning, and minimal collateral effect, often used metaphorically.

Usage and Examples

• Relating to surgery:

  • The patient underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor.
  • Sterile surgical instruments are essential in the operating room.
  • He required surgical intervention to repair the damaged ligament.

• Performed with great precision:

  • The police conducted a surgical raid, arresting only the target without disturbing the neighbors.
  • The comedian delivered a surgical critique of the government's policy.
  • The airstrike was described as surgical, aiming to minimize civilian casualties.

Advanced Usage

• "Surgical strike": A military attack designed to destroy a specific target with minimal collateral damage.

  • The mission was a surgical strike against the enemy's command center.

• "Surgical precision": Extreme accuracy and careful control.

  • The watchmaker worked with surgical precision.

Variants and Related Words

• Surgically (adverb): In a manner relating to or resembling surgery.

  • The tumor was removed surgically.
  • The problem was addressed surgically, with a focused and direct approach.

• Nonsurgical (adjective): Not involving surgery.

  • The doctor recommended a nonsurgical treatment first.

Synonyms

• Operative: Pertaining to a surgical operation.
• Precise: Marked by exactness and accuracy of detail.
• Incisive: Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; often used metaphorically for sharp, precise actions or remarks.

Antonyms

• Medical: Relating to the science or practice of medicine as distinct from surgery.
• Blunt: Lacking sharpness or precision; not finely adjusted.
• Nonsurgical: Not involving an operative procedure.

Adjective

1. performed with great precision
   • a surgical air strike
2. relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine
   • a surgical appendix
   • a surgical procedure
   • operative dentistry
3. of or relating to or involving or used in surgery
   • surgical instruments
   • surgical intervention