Definition

A tool used for boring holes in rock, often employed in mining to create shafts or openings.

Example

The miners used a trepan to drill deep into the earth for valuable minerals.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a trepan in action?

No, I haven't! What does it do exactly?

It's a heavy tool used for boring into rock, mainly in mining.

That sounds pretty intense! I'd love to see how it works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make a hole in the skull or another hard surface using a special tool, often for medical purposes.

Example

The surgeon decided to trepan the patient's skull to relieve pressure.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know they sometimes trepan skulls in surgery?

Really? That sounds intense and kind of scary.

Yeah, they do it to relieve pressure or remove a blood clot.

Root Explanation

Trepan comes from the Greek word "trypanon" (meaning a borer or auger), which is derived from "trypan" (meaning to bore or pierce). The word refers to a surgical instrument used to bore into the skull.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tool that 'bores' ('trypan') into something, like a hole in the skull, which is what a trepan does.

Visually Confused Words