Which of the following terms describes a cut with clean edges made by a sharp instrument?

The term that describes a cut with clean edges made by a sharp instrument is "incision." An incision typically occurs during surgical procedures or when a sharp object, such as a knife or scalpel, makes a precise cut in the skin or other tissues. The clean edges of an incision promote easier healing and are less prone to infection compared to other types of cuts.

In contrast, a laceration refers to a tear or jagged wound that can have irregular edges, usually caused by blunt force trauma or an object that does not have a clean cutting edge. An avulsion describes a situation where a portion of skin or tissue is forcibly detached from the body, often leaving a larger wound. Finally, a contusion, commonly known as a bruise, results from blunt trauma that causes blood vessels to rupture beneath the skin without breaking the epidermis, leading to discoloration without an actual cut. Thus, "incision" is the correct answer as it accurately characterizes a cut made by a sharp instrument with clean edges.