1. Plural of catling; small cats or kittens.
Usage: informal; often used affectionately or colloquially
2. Surgical instruments with sharp edges, used for cutting or scraping tissue; catgut strings for musical instruments.
Usage: medical/technical; archaic or specialized

Examples

• The shelter had a litter of adorable catlings playing in the yard.
• She watched the catlings pounce on a toy mouse.
• The veterinarian kept several catlings in the recovery room after surgery.
• Medieval surgeons relied on catlings to perform delicate procedures.
• The musician replaced the worn catlings on her violin.