What term is used to describe a cut, especially one that is deep or severe?

The term that specifically refers to a cut, particularly one that is deep or severe, is "laceration." A laceration is typically characterized by a jagged or irregular break in the skin, which can range in depth and severity. This distinction is important in medical terminology as it indicates not just any type of cut, but a specific kind that often involves significant damage to the tissue and may require more complex treatment such as sutures.

In contrast, "incision" often refers to a clean, surgical cut made with a sharp instrument, which doesn’t typically convey the same level of trauma or severity associated with a laceration. "Wound" is a broader term that can describe any injury to the body, including abrasions, punctures, and lacerations, but it does not specify the nature of the cut being deep or severe. "Abrasions" are superficial injuries where the skin is scraped or rubbed off, which does not indicate the depth associated with a laceration. Thus, "laceration" is the most precise term to use in the context of describing a deep or severe cut.