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

Nurses perform serial neurological examinations, manage drains and catheters, titrate pain medication, mobilize patients early, watch for the subtle signs of complication, and educate families who are still processing what just happened. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

In particular, those who use breathing tubes, feeding tubes, IVs or catheters are more vulnerable, as are those who are hospitalized frequently or for long periods of time. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Jabbour said an endovascular cerebrospinal fluid shunt, or E-shunt, is threaded into the brain with a catheter that's inserted through the groin. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Major risk factors include the use of breathing and feeding tubes and catheters, which are medical interventions used on people who are already in poor health. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 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)