A tool for smoothing, grinding, or cutting.
- periodontal f. an instrument with a series of ridges or points arranged in rows on its surface, used for scaling or removing dental calculus from the teeth.
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file 'fī(ə)l n
1) a tool usu. of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces (as of a tooth)
2) a narrow instrument for shaping fingernails with a fine rough metal or emery surface
file vt, filed; fil·ing
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(fīl) a surgical or a dental instrument with a finely serrated surface, for reducing surplus hard substance such as bone or materials used in dental restorations, or for smoothing roughened surfaces.Medical dictionary. 2011.