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 microrobots are delivered via a specialized catheter, which precisely releases the capsule near its target. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025

To test their invention, Landers and Nelson first used a catheter to inject the microrobot into artificial silicone models of both human and animal blood vessels. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2025

The woman had catheters inserted in her about 30 times over the years, but never had an experience like the one with Miller, the prosecutor said. —City News Service, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

Urinary tract abnormalities such as blockages or reflux (backflow of urine toward the kidneys) and the use of urinary catheters also heighten infection risk. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 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)