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Added 9 October 2026

lance

/lɑːns/ noun

In Latin: lancea, lancia Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about lance at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon.
An implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish.
A surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions.

verb

Move quickly, as if by cutting one's way.
Planes lanced towards the shore
Pierce with a lance, as in a knights' fight.
Open by piercing with a lancet.
lance a boil

Origin

From Middle English launce, from Old French lance, from Latin lancea.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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