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 study looked at healthy women as well as those with kidney disease, catheters and diabetes. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Doctors insert a thin, flexible catheter into a blood vessel and steer it up to the heart using real-time imaging guidance to place a sealing device. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

To get around the blood-brain barrier, the team injected the cells directly into the tumor site on the brain through a catheter. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Doctors quickly decided to perform something called a mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that uses a catheter to physically remove a blood clot and restore circulation to the brain. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 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)