Alphonsin

See also: alphonsin

English

Alternative forms

• alphonsin

Noun

Alphonsin (countable and uncountable, plural Alphonsins)

1. A surgical instrument, consisting of three prongs surrounded by a ring, which close when the ring is drawn forward and open when the ring is drawn back.
   • 1831, The history of medicine, surgery and anatomy, page 52:

     It was to be introduced into the wound in its closed state, the ring then drawn back to enable it to lay hold of the substance, pushed forward again to close upon it, and withdrawn. It was named, after its inventor, the Alphonsin.

Proper noun

Alphonsin

1. A set of astronomical tables compiled in A.D. 1252.
   • 1842, James A. Huie, William Jenks, The History of the Jews, page 137:

     He employed his physician, Judah Morea, one of these converts, to draw up the famous astronomical tables, commonly called the Alphonsin; and likewise enjoined upon him the task of translating various Arabian treatises into Castilian.