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

Fulks has chronic kidney disease, degenerative disc disease and requires a catheter to urinate. —Chiara Eisner, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025

Under local anesthesia and light sedation, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

At the hospital specialists placed a new catheter to start treatment and stabilize her. —Patricia Varas, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025

Nineteen people were charged for allegedly submitting nearly $11 billion in false Medicare claims for urinary catheters, activity that prosecutors attributed to a transnational criminal organization. —Hannah Fingerhut, Twin Cities, 19 Dec. 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

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)