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paracentesis

American  
[par-uh-sen-tee-sis] / ˌpær ə sɛnˈti sɪs /

noun

Surgery.

plural

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


paracentesis British  
/ ˌpærəsɛnˈtiːsɪs /

noun

  1. 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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During three rounds of paracentesis, a combined 7 liters of fluid was removed from Spencer.

From Washington Times

If, therefore, the otitis continue without mitigation of pain after the above measures have been employed, paracentesis of the drumhead is probably required.

From Project Gutenberg

The pathology seemed quite obscure, and the surgeon remained almost passive till August, when he performed paracentesis on the left eye.

From Project Gutenberg

In patients suffering from the inconvenience which comes from large quantities of fluid in the abdomen he advises paracentesis abdominis, but warns against putting the patient in danger from such an operation without due consideration.

From Project Gutenberg

In patients suffering from the inconvenience which comes from large quantities of fluid in the abdomen, he advises paracentesis abdominis.

From Project Gutenberg