Pincer
/ˈpɪn.sər/noun
A grasping tool or claw with two arms that come together to seize something.
Did you know?Pincer is ultimately tied to the same ancient root behind words like pinch and pincers, showing how a simple squeezing motion became a lasting image in both tools and animal claws.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peig-
“to cut, prick, or pierce”
Latin
Latin
pinctus / pungere
“to prick, sting, or pierce”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
pinctia / pincer
“a claw-like gripping implement”
Old French
Old French
pincier
“to pinch or grip with pincers”
Middle English
English
pinceren / pincers
“tongs, forceps, or a claw-like grip”
Modern English
English
pincer
“a claw, arm, or tool used for grasping or pinching”