lithotripsy

noun lith·o·trip·sy \ ˈli-thə-ˌtrip-sē \

Definition of lithotripsy

plural lithotripsies

: the breaking (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) of a calculus in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out

Recent Examples of lithotripsy from the Web

Doctors can also use a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to break the stone into bits that can then pass through your system.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Kidney Stone Symptoms and Causes That Everyone Needs to Know," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lithotripsy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lithotripsy

lith- + Greek tripsis a rubbing, from tribein to rub — more at ¹throw

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1834

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

lithotripsy

noun lith·o·trip·sy \ ˈlith-ə-ˌtrip-sē \

medical Definition of lithotripsy

plural lithotripsies

: the breaking of a calculus (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out — called also litholapaxy, lithotrity