amniocentesis
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.am·nio·cen·te·sis
noun \ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs\ plural am·nio·cen·te·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of AMNIOCENTESIS
: the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus to obtain amniotic fluid especially for the determination of fetal sex or chromosomal abnormality
See Origin of AMNIOCENTESIS
New Latin, from amnion + centesis puncture, from Greek kentesis, from kentein to prick — more at center
First Known Use: 1957
am·nio·cen·te·sis
noun \ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs\ (Medical Dictionary)plural am·nio·cen·te·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of AMNIOCENTESIS
: the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus of a pregnant female to obtain amniotic fluid especially to examine the fetal chromosomes for an abnormality and for the determination of sex
Illustration of AMNIOCENTESIS
amniocentesis
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus of a pregnant female to extract fluid from the amniotic sac for analysis of fluid and fetal cells. This can reveal the fetus's sex (important when sex-linked genetic disease is possible), chromosomal disorders, and other problems. First performed in the 1930s, amniocentesis is generally done under local anesthesia in the 15th–17th week of gestation.
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