vlijm

Meaning

1. (feminine, masculine, neuter) a scalpel (sharp small knife with single 3-5 cm long cutting surface as used for surgery)
2. (feminine, masculine, neuter) a fleam or lancet (sharp instrument with two-sided, 1-3 mm long cutting surface, as used to open a vein for taking blood sample)
3. (feminine, figuratively, masculine, neuter, rare) any sharp or poignant organ, such as a tooth or snake's tongue

Synonyms

lancet

Translations

Lanzette

Pronounced as (IPA)

/vlɛi̯m/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle Dutch: vlîme

Cognate with Old High German: fliodema

Cognate with Middle Low German: vlêteme

Cognate with Old English: flītme

Cognate with Old French: flieme

In summary

From Middle Dutch vlîme, vlieme, from older *vlît(e)me, *vliet(e)me, from Latin phlebotomus, from Ancient Greek φλεβότομος (phlebótomos). Cognate with Old High German fliodema (modern Fliete), Middle Low German vlêteme, Old English flītme, Old French flieme (English fleam).