incised

Incised is an adjective describing something that has been cut, carved, or engraved into a surface, producing a groove or pattern. The term derives from the verb incise, which originates from Latin formations meaning to cut into. It is commonly used across several disciplines to describe marks made by a sharp instrument or by deliberate engraving.

In medicine, an incised wound is a clean-cut injury produced by a sharp instrument such as a scalpel, with relatively straight edges and minimal tearing of tissue. In surgical contexts, incisions are planned to access underlying structures. Management emphasizes wound cleansing, careful hemostasis, and closure with sutures or staples.

In archaeology and decorative arts, incised decoration refers to lines or patterns cut into a surface—pottery, bone, stone, or metal—so that the incisions form the design. This technique appears in many cultures and periods, often used for ornament, identification, or inscription, and can vary from simple grooves to intricate motifs.

In botany, incised margins describe leaves or petals with deeply cut or cleft edges, producing lobes that extend toward the midrib or base of the structure. The term helps distinguish forms with pronounced serration or division from those with entire margins.

In geomorphology, an incised valley or river valley describes a channel that has been deeply eroded into its bed, typically following uplift or a drop in base level. Such valleys often exhibit steep walls and narrow floors and indicate significant vertical incision by flowing water.

Overall, incised denotes surfaces or features shaped by cutting or carving, whether for functional, decorative, biological, or geological purposes.