What does incise mean?
Incise is a formal verb meaning to make a deliberate cut or score in a surface. In medical and surgical contexts, it describes opening the skin or tissue with a sharp instrument. In art, metalwork, and engraving, it can mean to cut a design or inscription into a hard material. The word is less common in everyday conversation, where 'cut into,' 'carve,' or 'engrave' may be more natural. Its related forms include the noun incision, meaning a cut or opening, and the adjective incisive, meaning sharp, penetrating, or precise. Although the vocabulary is specialized, incise is useful when describing the deliberate and controlled nature of a cut.
verbTo cut or score a surface, especially by making a deliberate incision into it. It can also refer to engraving or writing a design on a hard surface.
- To make a cut or incision in a surface.
- To engrave or write a design or inscription on a hard surface.
"The surgeon incised the skin before removing the fragment."
"The craftsperson incised a delicate pattern into the metal plate."
"The doctor incised the area around the wound for examination."
From the same Latin root as incision and incisor, incise describes the act of making a precise cut into a surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of incise
The verb comes from Latin incisare, a frequentative form of incidere, meaning 'to cut into' or 'to cut.' The Latin root combines in- with caedere, 'to cut, hew, or fell.' English borrowed the verb in the 16th century, and the same Latin foundation underlies incision, incisive, and incisor.
Related word forms
How incise is actually used
The word is formal and specialized, especially in medicine, surgery, engraving, and technical description. In general use, 'cut' or 'carve' is usually more natural.
Easily confused with incise
Incise means to cut or score a surface, whereas incite means to provoke or stir someone to action.