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

He was also put on an NG tube, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a type of medical catheter that’s inserted through your nose into your stomach for limited periods to deliver substances, such as food or medications, to the stomach. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

First the femoral artery line, next the catheter, then the many cannulas, and finally the spinal tap. —David Freyne, Time, 7 Dec. 2025

She was born with a congenital abnormality that required multiple surgeries in her abdomen and still requires her to use a catheter every day. —NPR, 20 Nov. 2025

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