probang

[ proh-bang ]

nounSurgery.
  1. a long, slender, elastic rod with a sponge, ball, or the like, at the end, to be introduced into the esophagus or larynx, as for removing foreign bodies, or for introducing medication.

Origin of probang

1
1650–60; alteration (by association with probe) of provang, unexplained coinage of the inventor

Words Nearby probang

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use probang in a sentence

  • If such symptoms arise the probang must be withdrawn at once.

    Special Report on Diseases of Cattle | U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • The probang is used when the former remedies are ineffectual.

    Domestic Animals | Richard L. Allen
  • The diagnosis is complete if, upon passing the probang (a flexible tube made for this purpose), an obstruction is encountered.

    Special Report on Diseases of the Horse | United States Department of Agriculture
  • Should our efforts entirely fail, we must then endeavor to force the obstruction downward by means of the probang.

    Special Report on Diseases of the Horse | United States Department of Agriculture
  • He covered a probang with the skin of a small eel, or the gut of a lamb or cat.

    Zoonomia, Vol. II | Erasmus Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for probang

probang

/ (ˈprəʊbæŋ) /


noun
  1. surgery a long flexible rod, often with a small sponge at one end, for inserting into the oesophagus, as to apply medication

Origin of probang

1
C17: variant, apparently by association with probe, of provang, name coined by W. Rumsey (1584–1660), Welsh judge, its inventor; of unknown origin

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