trephine

/ˌtriˈfaɪn/
IPA guide

Other forms: trephining; trephined; trephines

Definitions of trephine
  1. noun
    a surgical instrument used to remove sections of bone from the skull
    synonyms: trepan
    see moresee less
    type of:
    surgical instrument
    a medical instrument used in surgery
  2. verb
    operate on with a trephine
    see moresee less
    type of:
    operate, operate on
    perform surgery on
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘trephine'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family