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

At one point in his life, however, the man received a groin hernia repair—a process often requiring a catheter. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024

Cardiologists may opt to treat this using medication or a minimally invasive procedure known as catheter ablation. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

But the doctors confirmed using a method called manometry that patients’ upper esophageal sphincters simply would not relax — not after a meal of a sandwich, glass of milk, and candy bar, nor after doctors used a catheter to squirt several ounces of air beneath the stubborn valve. —Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2024

If the rhythm persists, treatment with medication or catheter ablation may be provided. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

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)