amniocentesis

noun

am·​nio·​cen·​te·​sis ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs 

plural amniocenteses ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-ˌsēz 

: the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus to obtain amniotic fluid especially for the determination of fetal sex or chromosomal abnormality

Examples of amniocentesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple followed up with a specialist who did an amniocentesis. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are more invasive but can diagnose abnormalities that previous screening tests may have flagged. —Krissi Danielsson, Parents, 30 July 2024

Whether dishing hard truths about dilation, lactation, breast pumps, amniocentesis, the exertions of labor and birth, or the melancholy that takes root even in mothers who adore their kids, Babes finds the sweet spot where slapstick meets body horror. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 23 May 2024

An amniocentesis may also be performed in the third trimester to check for fetal lung maturity or infections and health conditions in the unborn baby. —Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from amnion + centesis puncture, from Greek kentesis, from kentein to prick — more at center

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amniocentesis

noun

am·​nio·​cen·​te·​sis ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs 

plural amniocenteses -ˈtē-ˌsēz 

: the procedure of inserting a hollow needle through the wall of the abdomen and into the uterus of a pregnant female to withdraw a sample of the fluid surrounding the fetus that is used to find out its sex and especially to check for abnormal chromosomes which may predict a birth defect

Medical Definition

amniocentesis

noun

am·​nio·​cen·​te·​sis ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs 

plural amniocenteses -ˌsēz 

: the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus of a pregnant female to obtain amniotic fluid especially to examine the fetal chromosomes for an abnormality and for the determination of sex