English dictionary

trepan Meaning & Definition

tri-ˈpan

What Does Trepan Mean?

Trepan is used as a verb meaning to use a trephine on (the skull). It can also mean to remove a disk or cylindrical core (as from metal for testing). As a noun, it means a heavy tool used in boring mine shafts. As a noun, it means trickster.

Quick Facts About Trepan

Part of speech	verb, noun
Pronunciation	/tri-ˈpan/
Syllables	2
First known use	1656

Trepan Definition (Verb)

to use a trephine on (the skull)
to remove a disk or cylindrical core (as from metal for testing)

Trepan as a Noun

a heavy tool used in boring mine shafts

Noun

trickster
a deceptive device : snare

Verb

entrap, lure

Synonyms of Trepan

The source does not list synonyms for this entry.

Trepan synonyms and antonyms →

Word Forms & Grammar

tre·panned

tre·pan·ning

trep·a·na·tion noun

trepan

trepanation

trepanations

trepanned

trepanning

trepans

Origin of Trepan

Origin 1: Middle English trepanen "to bore holes into the skull," borrowed from Medieval Latin trapanāre, trepanāre, derivative of trepanum trepan:2

Origin 2: Middle English trepane, trapane "instrument used to bore holes into the skull," borrowed from Medieval Latin trepanum, borrowed from Greek trȳ́panon "tool for boring holes in wood, drill," from trȳp-, base of trȳpáō, trȳpân "to drill a hole through, bore" + -anon, suffix of instruments; trȳpáō, trȳpân perhaps extended form of trȳ́ō, trȳ́ein "to tire, wear out," going back to Indo-European *truH-i̯e-, whence also Old Church Slavic natrovǫ, natruti "to nourish," Polish truć "to poison," and, from a causative *trou̯-i̯e-, Old Church Slavic otraviti "to poison"

Origin 3: origin unknown

First Known Use

15th century

circa 1877

1641

circa 1656

How Do You Say Trepan?

Trepan is pronounced /tri-ˈpan/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (pan).