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

Decades later, the doctors who claimed Consuelo was raped and sodomized would realize the injuries were likely because of trauma from medical workers attempting to insert an adult-sized catheter. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

This is a more invasive procedure which can be given within 24 hours, where medical professionals take a catheter through a groin vessel and bring that catheter all the way up into the brain vessel and pull the clot out. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

The fungus primarily affects patients in hospitals and nursing homes who are already seriously ill, and can spread through medical equipment such as breathing tubes or catheters. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Doctors can use catheters to enter blood vessels in the lungs and dissolve or extract the clots. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

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

1588, 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)