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 aides take patient vital signs, test blood sugar, remove IVs and catheters and help patients use the restroom. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025

After delivery, the magnetic particles were directed back to the catheter and retrieved. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

Kate said that the pain kept getting worse, and her doctor finally ordered her to get a foley catheter, a tube used to help the bladder drain urine. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

People with catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes and PICC lines are at the highest risk because the pathogen can enter the body through these types of devices. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 20 Aug. 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

1601, 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)