catheter

noun

cath·​e·​ter ˈka-thə-tər 

ˈkath-tər

: a tubular medical device for insertion into canals, vessels, passageways, or body cavities usually to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids or to keep a passage open compare balloon catheter

Examples of catheter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the donation to take place, Stephen was placed under general anesthesia to allow doctors to insert a catheter into a vein in his neck. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Hospitalized patients face elevated risk, Morrison adds, particularly those in intensive care units where invasive devices such as catheters or ventilators are commonly used and can increase exposure to infection. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

The aides take patient vital signs, test blood sugar, remove IVs and catheters and help patients use the restroom. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025

After delivery, the magnetic particles were directed back to the catheter and retrieved. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek kathetēr, from kathienai to send down, from kata- cata- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing catheter

• balloon catheter
• Foley catheter

Medical Definition

catheter

noun

cath·​e·​ter ˈkath-ət-ər, ˈkath-tər 

: a tubular medical device for insertion into canals, vessels, passageways, or body cavities for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes (as to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids or to keep a passage open)