laceration

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)An irregular open wound to soft tissue.

   “The doctor sewed up the laceration in his arm.”

   “Survivors of the crash suffered injuries ranging from broken bones to lacerations, permanent disfigurements, and psychiatric trauma.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The act of lacerating or tearing, either literally or figuratively.

   “Why the founders of St. Merryn's Hospital chose to erect their institution at a main-road crossing upon a valuable office site, and thus expose their patients' nerves to constant laceration, is a foible that I never properly understood.”