paracentesis

[par-uh-sen-tee-sis]

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.

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

Also called tapping.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for paracentesis

Historical Examples of paracentesis

Paracentesis should be done early in infants and in specific fevers.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)
Various
Paracentesis was again performed several times, and a tumour was perceived to have formed in the lower part of the abdomen.
North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826
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

British Dictionary definitions for paracentesis

paracentesis

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

Word Origin and History for paracentesis

1590s, from medical Latin form of Greek parakentesis "perforation," from parakentein "to pierce at the side," from para- "beside" (see para- (1)) + kentein "to prick, stab" (see center (n.)).

paracentesis in Medicine

paracentesis

[păr′ə-sĕn-tē′sĭs]

Surgical puncture or tapping of a fluid-filled body cavity, especially the abdomen, with a hollow needle or trochar to withdraw fluid.

Related formspar′a•cen•tet′ic (-tĕt′ĭk) adj.