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

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

Existing clot-removal treatments typically involve inserting a device into the affected blood vessel via a catheter, then using that device to either suck up the fibrin clump or snare it then drag it out. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 7 June 2025

The Federal Trade Commission under President Trump is making its first move to challenge private equity in health care, by suing to block the $627 million acquisition of a maker of specialized coatings for catheters and other medical devices. —Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025

It is often spread among patients in health care facilities via breathing tubes, feeding tubes, central venous catheters and urinary catheters. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 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)