surgical
Meaning: Relating to or used in surgery; figuratively, describing an action carried out with great precision.
Surgical is used literally for anything connected to surgery (surgical instruments, surgical ward, surgical procedure). The figurative use — 'surgical precision' or 'surgical strike' — has become very common, particularly in military and sports contexts, to describe actions that are extremely precise and targeted. A 'surgical strike' in military language refers to a precisely targeted attack designed to minimise collateral damage.
Examples
- The surgical team performed a complex operation to repair the damaged heart valve. 外科团队进行了一台复杂的手术来修复受损的心脏瓣膜。El equipo quirúrgico realizó una operación compleja para reparar la válvula cardíaca dañada.外科チームは損傷した心臓弁を修復する複雑な手術を行った。외과팀은 손상된 심장 판막을 수복하는 복잡한 수술을 시행했다.
- The free kick was struck with surgical precision into the top corner of the net. 那记任意球以外科手术般的精准度射入了球门上角。El tiro libre se ejecutó con precisión quirúrgica hasta la escuadra de la portería.そのフリーキックは外科手術のような精密さでゴールの上隅に突き刺さった。그 프리킥은 외과 수술적 정밀함으로 골문 상단 구석에 꽂혔다.
- The military described the operation as a surgical strike against a specific weapons facility. 军方将这次行动描述为对特定武器设施的精确打击。El ejército describió la operación como un ataque quirúrgico contra una instalación armamentística concreta.軍はこの作戦を特定の兵器施設に対する精密攻撃と説明した。군은 이 작전을 특정 무기 시설에 대한 정밀 타격이라고 설명했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek kheirourgia (working by hand, surgery), combining kheir (hand) and ergon (work), via Latin chirurgia and Old French surgerie. The adjective form entered English in the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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