catheter

[ kath-i-ter ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

1. a flexible or rigid hollow tube employed to drain fluids from body cavities or to distend body passages, especially one for passing into the bladder through the urethra to draw off urine or into the heart through a leg vein or arm vein for diagnostic examination.

catheter

/ ˈkæθɪtə /

noun

1. med a long slender flexible tube for inserting into a natural bodily cavity or passage for introducing or withdrawing fluid, such as urine or blood

catheter

/ kăth′ĭ-tər /

1. A hollow, flexible tube inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids or distend a passageway.

catheter

1. A thin tube inserted into one of the channels or blood vessels in the body to remove fluids , create an opening into an internal cavity, or administer injections.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catheter¹

1595–1605; < Late Latin < Greek kathetḗr kind of tube, literally, something sent or let down, equivalent to kathe- (variant stem of kathiénai, equivalent to kat- cata- + hiénai to send, let go) + -tḗr agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of catheter¹

C17: from Late Latin, from Greek kathetēr, from kathienai to send down, insert

Example Sentences

Gently assist the progress of the catheter down the œsophagus until it passes the cardiac orifice of the stomach.

From Project Gutenberg

Insert the point of the pipette into the open end of the catheter and allow the fluid to run down into the stomach.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of sharp scissors, with a piece of strong thread or cord, are indispensable, and a female catheter may be needed.

From Project Gutenberg

The bladder should be also looked to, as well as the bowels, and if necessary the catheter should be used.

From Project Gutenberg

If this does not relieve, the catheter must be used, and always before the bladder is too full.

From Project Gutenberg