Forceps are a handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping and holding objects. Forceps are used when fingers are too large to grasp small objects or when many objects need to be held at one time while the hands are used to perform a task. The term forceps is used almost exclusively within the medical field. Outside medicine, people usually refer to forceps as tweezers, tongs, pliers, clips or clamps. The singular and plural form of forceps is always forceps, never 'forcep.' Nor is it referred to as a "pair of" as one refers to a pair of scissors. Etymologically, the word derives from the Latin 'Forca,' meaning a snare or trap. Mechanically, forceps employ the principle of the lever to grasp and apply pressure. Surgical forceps are commonly made of high-grade carbon steel. Lower quality steel is used in forceps made for other uses. High carbon steel ensure that the instruments can withstand repeated sterilization in high-temperature autoclaves. Some forceps, intended to be used once and then discarded, are made of plastic.

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