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

The 2-millimeter inserter is designed to reduce trauma during placement, drawing inspiration from embryo-transfer catheters used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). —Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Miller, 59, alleges that the hospital left a catheter in her body for years after performing life-saving spinal surgery in 2020. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 5 June 2025

People with catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes and PICC lines are at the highest risk because the pathogen can enter the body through these types of devices. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 11 May 2025

Another theory that gained traction was that Trump was wearing a Foley catheter, possibly due to bladder issues. —Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 12 June 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)