Basiotribe

/bæˈzɪətɹaɪb/ noun

Definition

A surgical instrument used to crush or perforate the skull, historically used in difficult deliveries or medical procedures.

Etymology

From Greek 'basis' (base) + 'tribein' (to rub or crush). This archaic medical instrument combined roots describing its brutal function of crushing skull bone.

Kelly Says

Basiotribes are thankfully obsolete—they were surgical tools used before modern medicine, and knowing this word is basically knowing a grim piece of medical history!

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