# lancet

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlɑːn.sɪt/ · frequency rank #26,485

## Definitions
1. A sharp, pointed, two-edged surgical instrument used in venesection and for opening abscesses etc.
2. A small, sterile single-use needle used to draw a drop of blood for testing, as with a glucometer.
3. An iron bar used for tapping a melting furnace.
4. A high narrow window, terminating in an acutely pointed arch, common in Gothic architecture.

## Etymology
From Middle English launcet, from Old French lancete, a diminutive of lance. By surface analysis, lance + -et.

## Easily confused with
- **lane** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-lane)
- **lanes** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-lanes)
- **Laney** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-laney)
- **landed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-landed)
- **lander** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-lander)
- **langer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-langer)
- **lanier** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancet-vs-lanier)
- **lace** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lace-vs-lancet)
- **lance** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lance-vs-lancet)
- **laced** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/laced-vs-lancet)
- **Lacey** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lacey-vs-lancet)
- **laces** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/laces-vs-lancet)
- **lancer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancer-vs-lancet)
- **lances** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lances-vs-lancet)
- **Lancelot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lancelot-vs-lancet)

## Common misspellings (9)
`alncet`, `lacnet`, `lanccet`, `lancett`, `lancte`, `lanect`, `lanncet`, `llancet`, `lnacet`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lancet