stitches
Small loops of thread used by a doctor to sew a deep cut together so it can heal. They are usually removed after a week or two once the skin has closed up.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor put four stitches in my finger after I cut it.
The doctor put four stitches in my finger after I cut it.
The patient will require several stitches to close the deep laceration.
The patient will require several stitches to close the deep laceration.
I've got three stitches in my knee from falling off my bike.
I've got three stitches in my knee from falling off my bike.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ST' in STitches as 'STopping' the blood and 'STicking' the skin back together.
Quick Quiz
The cut on my arm was very deep, so I had to go to the hospital to get ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
The doctor put four stitches in my finger after I cut it.
everydayThe doctor put four stitches in my finger after I cut it.
The patient will require several stitches to close the deep laceration.
formalThe patient will require several stitches to close the deep laceration.
I've got three stitches in my knee from falling off my bike.
informalI've got three stitches in my knee from falling off my bike.
The study evaluated the recovery time of wounds closed with silk stitches.
academicThe study evaluated the recovery time of wounds closed with silk stitches.
He had to leave the office to get stitches for a minor injury.
businessHe had to leave the office to get stitches for a minor injury.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in stitches
laughing so hard that your side hurts
a stitch in time saves nine
fixing a small problem now prevents a bigger problem later
a stitch in your side
a sharp pain in the side of your body, usually from running
Often Confused With
Sutures is the formal medical term used by doctors, while stitches is the common everyday word.
Usage Notes
In a medical context, 'stitches' is usually used in the plural because a doctor typically uses more than one loop of thread to close a wound.
Common Mistakes
Avoid saying 'a stitches'. Use 'some stitches' or specify the number, such as 'five stitches'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ST' in STitches as 'STopping' the blood and 'STicking' the skin back together.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'stice', which referred to a puncture, sting, or a prick.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The cut on my arm was very deep, so I had to go to the hospital to get ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
More medicine words
fracture
A1A fracture is a crack or a break in something hard, especially a bone. It happens when a strong force is put on the bone, causing it to split or shatter.
surgeon
A1A surgeon is a specially trained doctor who performs operations on patients. They use tools to cut into the body to repair damage, remove diseased parts, or improve health.
remission
A1A period of time during a serious illness when the symptoms become less severe or disappear completely. It can also refer to the cancellation of a debt or the reduction of a prison sentence.
prosthetic
A1A prosthetic is an artificial body part used to replace a part that is missing from the body. It is designed to help a person move or perform tasks more easily after an injury or surgery.
psychologist
A1A psychologist is a professional who studies the human mind and behavior. They help people understand their feelings and solve emotional problems through talking and therapy.
anesthesiologist
A1A doctor who gives patients medicine so they do not feel pain during surgery. They also monitor the patient's breathing and heart rate while the patient is asleep during an operation.
cardiologist
A1A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions. They help patients manage heart diseases and issues related to blood vessels.
pediatrician
A1A pediatrician is a special doctor who looks after the health of babies, children, and teenagers. They help young people stay healthy and treat them when they are sick or injured.
radiologist
A1A radiologist is a doctor who looks at special pictures like X-rays or MRI scans. They help other doctors understand what is happening inside a patient's body.
gynecologist
A1A gynecologist is a special doctor who looks after women's health. They specifically help with the female reproductive system and pregnancy.
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