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

Its interventional cardiology portfolio is focused primarily on the design, development and manufacture of catheter and wire-based technologies intended to diagnose and treat cardiac disease. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2026

His doctor ordered an angiogram, in which dye is injected through a catheter in the femoral artery to show bloodflow in and around the heart. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

The endoscope is a slim, flexible tube equipped with a camera and a guidewire that leads a catheter into the digestive system. —Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Dec. 2025

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