• Today's Word

Laceration

[las-uh-RAY-shun]

Definition

1. (noun) A jagged, irregular tear or wound in soft tissue, typically caused by a rough or blunt force rather than a clean cut. In broader usage, it can also refer to emotional or psychological wounds, or damage to one’s reputation.
   

Example

The hiker suffered a deep laceration on his arm when he fell against the rough bark of a fallen tree, requiring several stitches at the emergency room.

Fun Fact

The word “laceration” comes from the Latin “lacerare,” meaning “to tear to pieces,” which itself derives from “lacer,” meaning “torn.” In medieval medicine, physicians made a crucial distinction between lacerations and incisions – lacerations were considered more dangerous due to their irregular edges and higher risk of infection. Interestingly, ancient Roman gladiatorial physicians were particularly skilled at treating lacerations, developing advanced techniques that influenced medical practice for centuries. They created detailed classifications of different types of lacerations and their treatments, many of which are still relevant in modern emergency medicine. The term gained metaphorical use during the Renaissance period, when writers began using it to describe emotional or social damage, as in “lacerations to one’s dignity.” This dual meaning – physical and metaphorical – has persisted, making it a versatile word for describing both bodily and emotional trauma.