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 first system in use was a catheter shaped like a condom, Etlin explained. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024

In the new system, the MAG has been replaced with a urine collection device (UCD) that collects urine via an external catheter soon after it is expelled from the body, containing feces separately to avoid any cross-contamination. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 July 2024

The change effectively protects the organizations from the spike in catheter bills. —Lauren Weber, Washington Post, 2 July 2024

Her ovaries are pulled outside her body, and a catheter full of embryos is plunged into her oviduct. —Alexandra Horowitz, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024

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)