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

During the procedure, a catheter, or tiny flexible tube, is inserted into a blood vessel and snaked into the heart to view the coronary and/or pulmonary arteries up close. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

If anything ever went wrong with the replacement pulmonary valve, it could be treated through the groin with a catheter in a less invasive procedure. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

These companies sell a wide variety of supplies, including gauze, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and urinary catheters — and have had recurring issues with fraud. —O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 27 Feb. 2026

The procedure uses a thin, flexible catheter introduced through a small incision in the femoral artery near the groin. —Memorialcare, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 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)