pincer

noun
UK: /ˈpɪnsər/
US: /ˈpɪnsər/

  1. A tool with two handles and blades used for gripping or cutting.

    1. He used a pincer to pull out the nail.
    2. The jeweler carefully used small pincer to adjust the delicate setting of the gemstone.

  2. A grasping claw, such as on a crab or lobster.

    1. The crab waved its pincer threateningly.
    2. The lobster's powerful pincer can crush shells and defend itself from predators in the ocean.

  3. A strategic maneuver in military combat that involves attacking an enemy from both sides simultaneously.

    1. The army executed a pincer movement.
    2. The general planned a daring pincer to encircle and capture the enemy forces, achieving a decisive victory.

Synonyms

forceps claw tongs
pincer transitive-verb

  1. To grip or compress something with a pincer-like action.

    1. The robot arm can pincer small parts.
    2. The surgeon used the instrument to pincer the blood vessel during the delicate operation.

  2. To attack or surround from two sides, like a pincer movement.

    1. The troops tried to pincer the enemy.
    2. The opposing forces attempted to pincer our battalion, but we anticipated their move.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "pincer" in English means: A tool with two handles and blades used for gripping or cutting., A grasping claw, such as on a crab or lobster., A strategic maneuver in military combat that involves attacking an enemy from both sides simultaneously..

The phonetic transcription of "pincer" is /ˈpɪnsər/ in British English and /ˈpɪnsər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "pincer": forceps, claw, tongs.

Example usage of "pincer": "He used a pincer to pull out the nail.". More examples on the page.