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

Once again, Hopkins collaborated with the infection prevention team and evaluated which patients were getting catheters and whether using the device was the best option in various circumstances. — Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

With a catheter inserted into a vein, intravenous tubing fitted and a syringe pump loaded and primed, the subject waits as the bed retracts until his brain is centered within the great coils of an MRI machine calibrated to map altered brain states. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026

One challenge in studying microplastics is that plastic is everywhere — including in catheters, tubing, syringes, sample containers, and lab equipment. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 July 2026

In just over a month, the company submitted claims for 78,663 items, mostly intermittent urinary catheters. — Brian New, CBS News, 25 June 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)