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

It is often spread among patients in health care facilities via breathing tubes, feeding tubes, central venous catheters and urinary catheters. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

In 2023, companies billed Medicare for hundreds of thousands of urinary catheters that doctors never ordered. —Sarah Kliff, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

Treatment for UTIs in older adults involves the same antibiotics used in younger adults, but adjustments may be made for people with recurrent UTIs or who regularly use catheters. —Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

The contrast agent is placed into your rectum using a catheter. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 20 Feb. 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)