paracentesis

[ par-uh-sen-tee-sis ]

/ ˌpær ə sɛnˈti sɪs /

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noun, plural par·a·cen·te·ses

[par-uh-sen-tee-seez]. /ˌpær ə sɛnˈti siz/. Surgery.

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

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Also called tapping.

Origin of paracentesis

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

Words nearby paracentesis

paraboloid, parabrake, paracasein, Paracel Islands, Paracelsus, paracentesis, paracetaldehyde, paracetamol, parachronism, parachute, parachute brake

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use paracentesis in a sentence

Paracentesis should be done early in infants and in specific fevers.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various
If the paracentesis knife be used it is not sufficient to make a simple incision; a small triangular flap must be excised.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various
The paracentesis knife is inserted boldly through the membrane a little behind and above the umbo.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various
With a paracentesis knife the membrane is incised round the handle of the malleus (Fig. 191).
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

The chief object of paracentesis (myringotomy or simple incision) is to permit of escape of fluid from the tympanic cavity.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for paracentesis

paracentesis

/ (ˌpærəsɛnˈtiːsɪs) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012