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stylet

noun
sty·​let | \ stÄ«-ˈlet How to pronounce stylet (audio) , ˈstÄ«-lÉ™t\

Definition of stylet

1a : a slender surgical probe
b : a thin wire inserted into a catheter to maintain rigidity or into a hollow needle to maintain patency
c : a pointed instrument (as for graving)
2 : a relatively rigid elongated organ or appendage (such as a piercing mouthpart) of an animal
3 : stiletto

Examples of stylet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 A tubule connected to the stylet acts as a tow line, which the predatory cell uses to draw the prey cell close enough to strike—at which point the predatory cell actually unzips its own cell membrane to engulf the prey cell. — Rachel Brown, National Geographic, "‘Gatling Gun’ Plankton Reveals Violent Microbial World," 5 Apr. 2017 Polykrikos cells have a capsule, called a nematocyst, that contracts to propel a sharp stylet through the water—and through the armor of another microbe. — Rachel Brown, National Geographic, "‘Gatling Gun’ Plankton Reveals Violent Microbial World," 5 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stylet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stylet

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for stylet

French, from Middle French stilet stiletto, from Old Italian stiletto — more at stiletto

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More Definitions for stylet

stylet

noun
sty·​let | \ stÄ«-ˈlet How to pronounce stylet (audio) , ˈstÄ«-lÉ™t How to pronounce stylet (audio) \

Medical Definition of stylet

1 also stylette \ stÄ«-​ˈlet How to pronounce stylette (audio) \

a : a slender surgical probe
b : a thin wire inserted into a catheter to maintain rigidity or into a hollow needle to maintain patency
2 : a relatively rigid elongated organ or appendage (as a piercing mouthpart) of an animal

More from Merriam-Webster on stylet

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with stylet

Nglish: Translation of stylet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stylet

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