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

Why Elite Athletes Have a Higher DVT Risk Only about 5 to 10 percent of deep vein thrombosis cases happen in the upper extremities, and this most often occurs when people have had medical treatment involving intravenous catheters, according to the American College of Cardiology. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Feb. 2025

During a brief visit to the island, Dr. Chow had witnessed patients bleeding from catheter wounds and screaming in pain. —John Carreyrou, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

After helping Lawrence pack essential supplies like medication and catheters, the aide left because her own house was in danger. —Esme Mazzeo, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025

An ultra-fine needle is then deployed from the catheter into the tumor, which delivers a 10-second burst of steam into the affected cells. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 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)