scalpel/ˈskælpəl/EtymologyBorrowed from Latin scalpellum, from scalprum (“knife”), from scalpere (“to cut”). Doublet of scalpellum.nounA small straight knife with a very sharp blade used for surgery, dissection and craftwork.“He feels a tingling behind his ears, anticipating the scalpel and the drill.”verbTo hit, thrust, or pierce with a scalpel.