Pl. -ula. [mod. uses of L. tenāculum a holder, f. ten-ēre to hold.]
1. Surg. A species of forceps: see quots.
1693. trans. Blancard’s Phys. Dict. (ed. 2), Tenaculum, the same with Forceps.
1726. Quincy, Lex. Physico-Med., Tenacula, … a chirurgical Instrument, not much differing from the Forceps.
1857. Dunglison, Med. Lex., Tenaculum, Assalini’s,… consists of a forceps, or double tenaculum.
1899. Syd. Soc. Lex., Tenaculum, a variety of artery forceps for arresting hæmorrhage.
b. See quot. 1842.
1842. Brande, Dict. Sc., etc., Tenaculum, a surgical instrument, consisting of a fine sharp pointed hook, by which the mouths of bleeding arteries are drawn out, so that in operations they may be secured by ligaments.
1860. J. M. Carnochan, Operat. Surg., 62 (Cent. Dict.). These [arterial branches] are difficult to tie, even when picked up by the tenaculum.
2. Entom. The abdominal process by which the springing organ is retained in the Poduridæ or spring-tails.
1878. Packard, Guide Stud. Insects, 622. The Collembola [are characterized] by their spring (elater), its holder (tenaculum) [etc.].
