paracentesis

[ par-uh-sen-tee-sis ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural par·a·cen·te·ses [par-, uh, -sen-, tee, -seez].

1. puncture of the wall of a cavity to drain off fluid.

paracentesis

/ ˌpærəsɛnˈtiːsɪs /

noun

1. med the surgical puncture of a body cavity in order to draw off excess fluid

Word History and Origins

Origin of paracentesis¹

1590–1600; < Latin paracentēsis perforation, tapping < Greek parakéntēsis, equivalent to parakentē-, variant stem of parakenteîn to prick beside ( para- para- ¹ + kenteîn to prick, pierce) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Paracentesis should be done early in infants and in specific fevers.

From Project Gutenberg

If the paracentesis knife be used it is not sufficient to make a simple incision; a small triangular flap must be excised.

From Project Gutenberg

The paracentesis knife is inserted boldly through the membrane a little behind and above the umbo.

From Project Gutenberg

With a paracentesis knife the membrane is incised round the handle of the malleus (Fig. 191).

From Project Gutenberg

The chief object of paracentesis (myringotomy or simple incision) is to permit of escape of fluid from the tympanic cavity.

From Project Gutenberg